Presented by Dance Afrikana, the Houston Black Dance Festival is a biennial cultural celebration held in Houston, Texas. The festival honors the richness, innovation, and global impact of African and African diasporic dance traditions through community workshops, artistic exchange, and film.

Join us for a day of movement, learning, and cultural connection as an incredible lineup of renowned dance artists and instructors leads immersive workshops featuring traditions from across Africa and the African Diaspora—from Senegalese Sabar to Afro-Venezuelan dance.

This year also marks an exciting new chapter with the launch of our Black Dance on Screen series. Experience a curated selection of films by and about Black dancers, followed by live conversations with the filmmakers that explore the stories, histories, and creative processes behind their work.

Whether you're an experienced dancer, a beginner, an artist, or a lover of Black culture, the Houston Black Dance Festival offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the vibrant traditions that continue to shape the global landscape of dance.

Join us in Houston, Texas, and be part of this unforgettable celebration of Black movement, creativity, and community.

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2026

DANCE CLASSES

9:00 AM - 9:55 AM
Ghanaian Dance with Shani Diouf 

10:00 AM - 10:55 AM
Senegalese Sabar with Wali Ndiaye

11:00 PM - 11:55 AM
Cape Verdean Batuku with Tida Batukadera

12:00 PM - 12:55 PM
Afro-Venezuelan with Karla Blanco    

1:00 PM - 1:55 PM
Afro-Brazilian Samba with Luana Da Silva

2:00 PM - 2:55 PM
Haitian Folkloric with Kimberly Phillips    

3:00 PM - 3:55 PM
Afro-Cuban Orisha (Oshun) with Nel Lopez

Class sizes are limited. Participants must be 15+.

DANCE FILM

MATCHBOX 4

4:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Films by Brittany Bass, Keda Sharber, and Dr. Lindsay Gary/Dance Afrikana

TICKETS

$15
Individual Dance Classes

$25
Single Film Ticket

PASSES

$105
Dance Pass
Admission to all 7 dance classes.

$115
Full Festival Pass
Admission to each dance class and the film screening. 

PLEASE NOTE:

Each individual ticket is subject to a $5 box office support fee at checkout. Each Dance Pass is subject to a $14 fee at checkout and each Full Festival Pass is subject to a $16 fee.

For the film viewing, lap children ages 3 and under will not need a ticket. All others will need a ticket for entry.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH

🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 

• Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office. 
• The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales. 
• All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations after purchase. 
• Have a discount code and need instructions on how to use it? CLICK HERE.
• Why is there a Box Office Support fee per ticket? CLICK HERE to learn more. 
• **Standby/Waiting List: If the performance that you are hoping to attend is SOLD OUT, please CLICK HERE for information on our Standby/Waiting list.

⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW 

• MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event. 
  Enjoy a cocktail, wine, beer, or snack before the show. 
  View concessions menu. 
• Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. 
• Please note: Some shows have a no late seating or re-entry after the performance has begun. Arrive early! 

🚗 LOCATION & PARKING: MATCH is located in Midtown Houston. Click here for directions and parking options, including garages and metered street parking.

🍽️ RESTAURANTS & BARS: Make it a night out! Click here for a curated list of nearby restaurants and bars within walking distance of MATCH.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. For accessible seating or special assistance, please contact the box office in advance so we can help accommodate your needs. Click here to email the box office.