About Urban Souls Dance Company

Founded in 2004, Urban Souls is a Houston-based contemporary dance company and social arts organization dedicated to fostering connection and building community through dance, education, and advocacy. The organization uses movement as a vehicle to tell stories rooted in the Black experience while advancing racial equity, healing, and justice.

Celebrating more than 20 years of “Community, Culture & Creativity,” Urban Souls has become one of Houston’s leading cultural institutions for Black artistic expression and socially engaged performance.

Mission

Urban Souls‘ mission is to foster connection and build community through dance, education, and advocacy. The organization builds upon community assets to tell stories of the Black experience while prioritizing racial equity and advancing healing and justice.

Artistic Vision

Urban Souls blends modern, contemporary, hip-hop, and African dance traditions into dynamic theatrical works that center cultural storytelling and lived experience. Through original choreography and community-centered programming, the company creates performances that inspire dialogue, reflection, and social connection.

Under the leadership of founder and artistic director Harrison Guy, Urban Souls has developed nationally recognized works exploring Black history, identity, spirituality, resilience, and liberation.

Signature Programs & Performances

Colored Carnegie

A celebrated multidisciplinary work inspired by Houston’s first Black public library, commissioned by Performing Arts Houston and performed at Jones Hall. The production combines dance, spoken word, and original music to preserve overlooked Black history through movement.

Truth Be Told

A contemporary dance production exploring Black history, healing, and justice through stories connected to Houston culture and national Black figures.

Community & Educational Outreach

Urban Souls provides educational workshops, youth programming, artist mentorship, and community engagement initiatives that make dance accessible to diverse audiences across Houston.

Why Urban Souls Matters

Urban Souls exists at the intersection of art, advocacy, and cultural preservation. The company creates spaces where Black stories are centered, celebrated, and archived through performance. Their work amplifies underrepresented voices while empowering audiences through creativity and community engagement.

Impact Highlights

• 20+ years serving Houston’s arts community
• Nationally recognized contemporary dance company
• Featured at major Houston arts institutions including the Hobby Center and Jones Hall
• Dedicated to Black cultural storytelling and racial equity initiatives
• Strong community engagement through performances, workshops, and outreach programming

Visit https://urbansouls.org to learn more about this organization.