Share

Three expressive ballets on this program offer a fascinating fusion of classical and contemporary artistry. Among them is Stanton Welch’s powerful Maninyas, a breathtaking work that delves into the gradual and sometimes daunting process of revealing oneself in a relationship. Featuring a series of fierce pas de deux and pas de trois, Maninyas earned acclaim as Welch’s first American commission for San Francisco Ballet, inspiring Ben Stevenson, Houston Ballet Artistic Director Emeritus, to invite Welch to create his inaugural piece

The Sleeping Beauty marked a pivotal moment in the career of Artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E, premiering in 1967 in London. Recognized as a supreme achievement of classical ballet, this exquisite production of the French fairytale was first staged in 1978 and subsequently revamped in 1990 to grace the grand stage of the Wortham Theater Center. Stevenson’s rendition unfolds the timeless tale of the beautiful princess, Aurora, cursed by the malevolent fairy, Carabosse. In a gripping narrative of good versus evil, the Lilac Fairy bestows upon Aurora the gift of sleeping for a hundred years, to awaken only with true love’s kiss. Set and costume designer Desmond Heeley adorns the stage with opulent sets and dazzling attire.

The annual Academy Spring Showcase showcases the remarkable talent of young artists from the Houston Ballet Academy at every level of training. Whether they are performing pieces from the company's repertoire or works created specifically for them, these dancers display a multitude of skills and artistry. It's a must-see event to witness the incredible young dancers who represent the future of ballet.

Stanton Welch’s opulent adaptation of Raymonda, inspired by the classic Marius Petipa, finds the lovely young Raymonda and her sisters destined to be betrothed to dukes from various countries, yet her heart already belongs to another. An evil plot by the queen’s trusted advisor may change the destiny of Raymonda and her one true love. Revel in Alexander Glazunov’s glorious and sensuous score alongside lavish set and costumes by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno, whose long-standing partnership with Stanton Welch resulted in the breathtaking production Romeo and Juliet. Raymonda is sure to become a treasured classic amongst Houston Ballet’s illustrious repertoire.

The final program, Sparrow ignites the stage with three one-act ballets by choreographers spanning from yesterday’s eminence to today’s prominence: George Balanchine, Houston Ballet artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E, and our very own Stanton Welch AM.