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Two Houston shows that made dance impossible to ignore
Kathrina Maribao
June 05, 2025
Kathrina Maribao on seeing two live shows, Arius and The United Kins, in Houston recently. Scroll down for a list of curated weekend events and responses to our first community prompt!
There were two live shows recently in Houston that featured dance as one of the highlights of the night in unexpected settings: Arius and The United Kins’ Star Wars Day.
At Soundbox last April, I watched Arius (Tessa and Matt Nguyen) perform a set that combined DJ skills and performance art. When it comes to EDM and light shows, you can’t have one without the other, but like the epic drones shooting fireworks at this year’s Electric Daisy Carnival, Arius has produced something novel and wildly entertaining by combining light shows with precise choreography. Each dance move was synchronized with light and sound as they “captured” and produced lasers in their own hands. With flair and style, the illusion of it made me think of Shin Lim’s Las Vegas magic show. Arius’ Instagram bio: “Djs/Laser Assassins.”
See for yourself:
@onthehousehtx Sharp dancing, epic light show and a good crowd. Arius’s show feels like the future of nightlife and entertainment cause the way they were... See more
Then there was Star Wars Day at Art Club where The United Kins presented May The Fourth, reimagining Star Wars theme music in their signature sound that “blends elements of Americana, soul, and indie rock.” Groovy, funky, and chill, their covers brought something fresh to Star Wars music that made me want to bounce to the music in my seat. Still, it was laid back and maybe that’s why, to my surprise, tap dancer Kristian Skydanovych came out to dance a few numbers with them.
Watch the finale between drummer John Fontenot and Kristian:
@onthehousehtx Ok but THIS part at the May the 4th event with United Kins @UnitedKins !!! Dancer: @Kristian Skidanovich 📍@artclubhtx at @POST Houston #... See more
There’s something about the collision of two elements that creates space for surprise. Upon leaving both these events it’s obvious that we couldn’t stop talking about how cool these dance performances were!
As a once-upon-a-time dancer myself I am certainly biased, but it was oddly refreshing to experience dance as a main source of entertainment rather than just the appetizer or garnish (clubstaurants) in a nightlife setting. Strip clubs and Vegas spectacles aside, these events prove that dance performance doesn't just deserve a place in nightlife–it might be what has been missing.
More OTH reads on nightlife:
💌Open House: Your perfect day in Houston
Last week we asked what a perfect day looks like in Houston. Here’s what some of y’all said:
Adriana Herrera
A perfect day in Houston for me looks like this: waking up early and getting matcha from one of my favorite coffee shops “Las Perras Cafe” after I’d head over to the montrose collective and window shop. If I get hungry, I’ll stop by handies duozo and get a roll of sushi!
Mariah Estrada
- Early morning walk around Memorial Park
- Chai Latte at Brass Tacks — I go home with a plant I definitely need
- I make lunch in the house using veggies I bought from the Urban Harvest Farmers Market
- Spend a few hours at the Museum of Natural Science
- Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen and walk around the Montrose Collective — a library stop is a must
- Dinner at Truth BBQ — there’s no line bc it’s a perfect day
- A Rockets game — we obviously win
- Stroll around Discovery Green
- Bed by 11
Mit Senavinin
It's fall in Houston on a Sunday morning. I'm strolling through Menil Park with my cat. There's the weekly sound healing and meditation session going on, and we join in.
@gh0st_713
goin to IAH and takin a international flight away from Houston
vp wright
a picnic out with the kids on buffalo bayou, and then drinks in EADO with friends
Texas Monthly’s Taco Festival is this Saturday, June 7.
JUNE LOOKING AHEAD
June 9-16: Used books warehouse sale at Houston Book Warehouse
June 10-20: Eldorado Ballroom Houston curated by Solange Knowles for Saint Heron
June 12: Andrea Bocelli in concert at Houston Symphony
June 12: Line dance night at POST
June 13: Juneteenth Culture Fest at Miller Outdoor Theatre
June 14 & 15: Juneteenth CultureFEST at Avenida Houston
June 19: Opening reception for Jubilee Art Exhibition at Neiman Marcus
June 20: AsiaFest at Asia Society Texas
June 21: Motown Tribute concert at POST
June 21 & 22: Pixar’s UP in concert at Houston Symphony
June 25: The Marigold Club’s 1 year anniversary
June 26: Movie under the stars: RENT at Trebly Park
June 28: Lego Night at Houston Botanic Garden
WEEKEND EVENTS
All weekend:
See new exhibition Blooming Wonders at ARTECHOUSE. Use code “SCHOOLSOUT” for 50% off kids tickets.
Thursday, 6/5
4pm-6pm, Cocktail Soirée | Stop by Suze Party at C. Baldwin Hotel. “Join us tomorrow night for a high-energy Cocktail Soirée showcasing the elegant spirit of Suze at 4pm.” Free. See flyer.
7pm-10pm, Dancing | Every Thursday Discovery Green is hosting Park After Dark when they leave the lights and fountains on after hours to encourage families to hang out. This Thursday they’re having line dancing once the sun sets! Free. More info.
8pm-10pm, Concert | Marriott Marquis is hosting Concerts Under the Stars featuring Bossa Nova. “Take in the beautiful views of downtown Houston while swaying to the warm sounds of bossa nova, samba, and the jazz flavors of Brazil.” $45. Buy tickets.
Friday, 6/6
7pm-9pm, Opening Reception | Celebrate the ambitious annual exhibition of new work called The Big Show at the Lawndale Art Center. Free. More info.
7:30pm-9pm, Outdoor Film Screening | Watch Palm Springs at the Altitude Rooftop at Marriott Marquis. More info.
8:30pm, Ballet | Watch LAUNCH produced by Vitacca Ballet at Miller Outdoor Theatre. “This performance explores the essence of embarking on new artistic journeys, inspired by discovery, adventure, and change.” Free. More info.
10pm, Nightlife | Machine Elves is curating sounds at De Fortune. “Flight Controller Tré & guest artist Pablo Chaglasian, take you on a journey through infectious rhythms.” Free. See flyer.
Saturday, 6/7
1pm-6pm, Art Exhibition | Celebrate CAMH’s 25th anniversary of its Teen Council program. “Don’t miss a chance to see the exhibition OUT OF STOCK organized by Teen Council, find something new at the clothing swap, and get ideas about how to mend, patch, and bedazzle your wardrobe in a series of drop-in workshops.” Free. More info.
2pm-5pm, Zines | Zine Fest Houston and The Orange Show Center are hosting a zine-making event. “Experience the wonders of the pre-Desktop Publishing era by making your very own zine 📚 using retro technology like typewriters, copy machines, vintage magazines, and more!” Free. See flyer.
2pm-5pm, Opening Reception | Community Artists Collective is hosting two power solo exhibitions: “Momma Loves Jazz” by Carla Sue and “Welcome to the Mothership: We Gather in Their Names” by Jakayla Monay. Free. See flyer.
5pm-8:30pm, Food Festival | Texas Monthly is hosting their first TM Taco Fest. “Taco Fest is a Celebration of the “New Tejano” Culinary Movement in Texas.” $50. Buy tickets.
Sunday, 6/8
6:30pm, Yoga | Good on Paper is hosting another Yoga session with Rachel Davidson. RSVP.
7pm-9pm, Cake Picnic | Honey Art Cafe is hosting another cake picnic! It’s $40 to just show up or $20 if you bring your own cake. Buy tickets.
7pm-9pm, Nightlife | Another Wine and Sage Night will be at 93’Til. “Wine & Sage Night is a relaxed evening of intention-setting, conversation, and grounding energy.” $10. Buy tickets.
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