In 1997, Sandra Organ ended her 15-year career with Houston Ballet to found the Sandra Organ Dance Company and realize a dream. Her mission was to promote contemporary dance, educate the public, and attract a diverse audience. Now celebrating its 14th Anniversary, Earthen Vessels choreographs and performs works that tell the stories of past and present. Earthen Vessels themes have explored the complexity of race relations in American history, the tragedy and redemption of organ donation, the contributions of African Americans, and the lives of historical figures. SODC has added movement to Duke Ellington, Dmitri Shostakovich, Bobby McFerrin, U2, Maya Angelou, Pablo Neruda, and many others. Blending the vocabulary of dance with music and the spoken word is a hallmark, as is the incorporation of community voices, ideas, and experiences. Audience participation and involvement is also an experiential component.