Awards & Honors
Celebrating service & artistry in our community
Each year, Dance Source Houston spotlights dance leaders in the Greater Houston area through two distinctions – the Dance Source Houston Artistic Honor and the Giannelli Service Award. These recognitions honor individuals whose contributions have made a significant impact on dance in our local community. We celebrate the leadership and achievements of two extraordinary individuals by awarding these honors at our annual fundraiser, SPARK.
Dance Source Houston is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 awards. The individuals selected will be presented with their recognition and celebrated at SPARK on February 21, 2026 at MATCH.
Nomination Deadline – July 18, 2025
Award Categories
Dance Source Houston Artistic Honor – Given to an artistic leader whose contributions have made a sustained impact on the Greater Houston dance community.
Artistic Honor nominees will be considered for:
- their sustained artistic contributions to the local dance field,
- demonstration of extraordinary artistic vision, and
- having made a significant impact on local dance artists and communities.
Individuals nominated for this award may include but are not limited to choreographers, dance educators, dancers, and others who have worked in the dance field as a mover and maker.
Giannelli Service Award – Given to an individual whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the dance community of Greater Houston.
Giannelli Service Award nominees should be considered for:
- their sustained support and outstanding service to the local dance community,
- demonstration of extraordinary leadership, and
- having made a significant impact on local dance artists and communities.
Individuals nominated for this award may include but are not limited to arts administrators, donors, production personnel, and others who provide support behind the scenes.
The Giannelli Service Award is named after Dance Source Houston’s founder, Christina Giannelli. Giannelli was honored for her vision and passion for the dance sector of Greater Houston at our first annual SPARK in 2022.
Nominations for the Giannelli Service Award and Dance Source Houston Artistic Honor are accepted from members of the Greater Houston dance community. The nominations are then reviewed by a committee of local artists, and the final selection is made by the DSH board of directors.
Past Honorees
2025
Cecil C. Conner, Jr (2025 Giannelli Service Awardee)
Karen Stokes (2025 Dance Source Houston Artistic Honoree)
2024
Jane Weiner (2025 Giannelli Service Awardee)
Lori Amare-Bujung (2025 Dance Source Houston Artistic Honoree)
2023
Maxine Silberstein (2025 Giannelli Service Awardee)
Rathna Kumar (2025 Dance Source Houston Artistic Honoree)
2022
Christina Giannelli (Inaugural SPARK Award)
