Karen Stokes

has been choreographing original dance theater since 1988. Since 1998, Stokes has created five evening length productions in addition to over 25 repertory (short program) works.  Her work emphasizes quirky movement invention, strong rhythmic connections, text, and original vocals.  In the last three years, Stokes has branched out into creating video projection as an integrated part of her theatrical productions.  Stokes works strongly within setting a time and place, whether imaginary or real.  

In 1997, Stokes co-founded Travesty Dance Group in Ohio with colleagues Kimberly Karpanty & Rebecca Malcolm-Naib.  In June 2011, the Travesty Dance Group (under the direction of Karen Stokes) became Karen Stokes Dance. 

Karen Stokes currently resides in Houston, with her husband and two cats.  

Terrible or not, difficult or not, the only thing that is beautiful, noble, religious and mystical is to be happy.  -Arnaud Desjardins-

Dance makes me happy.  Mostly.  -Karen Stokes-