MIND THE GAP
Now in its 11th year, Mind The Gap is a performance platform showcasing work by DSH members from all dance genres. Creating performance opportunities for local dancemakers, Mind The Gap provides participants with support in production planning and management.
The program, a collaboration between Dance Source Houston and Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, is designed to support artists who seek additional support and guidance to improve their production skills. Mind The Gap is intended to serve choreographers at all career stages and at all points in the development of a work.
Begun in January 2017, Mind The Gap has provided a platform for more than 160 local dancemakers to date. The program helps choreographers propel their works from the studio to the stage and exposes audiences to new dance makers and styles.
2026-2027 Performance Dates
September 15
December 1
May 10
June 8
September 15 Performance Application Open Now!
Eligibility
- Choreographer(s) must be 18 or older and based in the Greater Houston region, as defined by Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Walker, and Waller counties.
- Cast members must be 18 year or older.*
- Proposals from all dance genres are encouraged.
- Choreographers may participate in only 1 Mind The Gap performance during the season.
*Intergenerational casts consisting for members above and below the age of 18 will be considered. Please contact us at [email protected] with more information on your proposed work and cast.
Program Requirements
- Works must be 5-15 minutes in length and may be from any genre or style.
- Applicants may submit a work in progress, new work, or a previously shown work.
- Each choreographer must submit a $75 production fee.
- Applicants must be available for all production dates, including in-person production meetings. MTG is facilitated through a cohort format where artists are in conversation with one another.
- Maintain production, marketing, and administrative deadlines throughout the program.
- Applicants and all their cast members must be available for all theater production dates.
Program Benefits
- Participants receive support in production, marketing, and audience development from DSH & MATCH.
- Ticketed income is shared evenly between all choreographers.
- Choreographers receive a wide-angle video of their work for archival documentation and can purchase professional photos at a subsidized rate.
- Opportunity to present work in Matchbox 2 alongside 5 fellow dancemakers.
Timeline & Mandatory Production Dates
| Performance Date | Application open | Initial production meeting | Final production meeting | Load in, tech & dress date |
| 9/15/26 | 6/1/26 | 7/20/26 @ 7:00pm | 8/24/26 @ 7:00pm | 9/14/26 |
| 12/1/26 | 7/15/26 | 10/5/26 @ 7:00pm | 11/16/26 @ 7:00pm | 11/30/26 |
| 5/10/27 | 10/15/26 | 3/15/27 @ 7:00pm | 4/12/27 @ 7:00pm | 5/9/27 |
| 6/8/27 | 10/15/26 | 4/5/27 @ 7:00pm | 5/24/27 @ 7:00pm | 6/7/27 |
MIND THE GAP
Most common questions
What is an intergenerational cast?
Intergenerational casts bring together younger and older dancers, often to build on and explore the strengths that each generation has to offer, nurture mutual respect and understanding, and challenge ageism. This can take place within specific genres and sometimes across multiple genres.
While DSH doesn’t have a set ratio or percentage of older to younger dancers, a truly intergenerational cast includes a mixture of adult dancers, in addition to younger dancers. The concept of the work can also be a determining factor in how intergenerational a cast might be.
Within the fullness of a Nutcracker cast, for instance, the party scene families would be an example of an intergenerational cast.
How much do choreographers usually receive from the ticket sales?
While every program and audience is different, choreographers typically receive between $100-$300 from the shared ticket income. Mind The Gap provides choreographers (and their casts) the opportunity to work on their audience development skills and benefit from a shared program with 5 fellow dancemakers.
How is ticket income split between the choreographers?
Dance Source Houston reserves 15% of the total ticketed income. The sound and lighting technician fees are then removed and the remainder is split between the choreographers on a program. The funds are split evenly regardless of the length of work or size of the cast.
Can I submit a work in progress?
Yes! Mind The Gap is a great platform for works at all stages of development from early works in progress to restaged works. Work samples are required as part of the application so if you are submitting a work that is not completed you will need to include at least a short video sample to complete your application.
How much are tickets to a Mind The Gap performance?
Tickets are available on a sliding scale basis for Mind The Gap, ranging from $15-$35. We encourage patrons to purchase a ticket at a higher price point if possible as the funds are split between the choreographers.
Who can submit to Mind The Gap?
Choreographers must be 18 and older, working in any dance genre, and be a current DSH member to be eligible to submit an application. To become a member, email us at [email protected].
Is Mind The Gap a curated program?
No! Mind The Gap is not a curated performance opportunity and is open to choreographers working in any dance form. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis, with most performances showcasing the work of 6 choreographers.