Houston Ballet is a professional dance company located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1969, Houston Ballet is the fourth largest dance company in the United States and the largest in Texas. The company has become a major artistic force in the city of Houston and is recognized around the world for its innovative and daring productions.
Houston Ballet’s mission is to “create a shared experience of joy and inspiration through the presentation of world-class ballet.” The company produces a wide array of classical and contemporary ballets and is committed to providing top-notch training and education opportunities for aspiring professional dancers. Houston Ballet is also committed to inspiring and engaging young audiences through its outreach and educational programs.
Houston Ballet’s repertoire is vast and varied, ranging from classic works such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake to more contemporary pieces, including works by George Balanchine, Mark Morris, and Christopher Wheeldon. The company produces both full-length ballets and mixed bills, which feature a range of different works. Each season, Houston Ballet presents a range of premieres and revivals, allowing audiences to experience the best of the past and the present.
Houston Ballet’s commitment to excellence is evident in its dancers. The company has a roster of over 40 dancers from around the world, representing a wide range of ages, body types, and dance styles. The company also has an extensive training program for young dancers, which includes classes in ballet, modern, and contemporary techniques.
Houston Ballet’s performances take place in the Wortham Theater Center, located in downtown Houston. This theater complex boasts two state-of-the-art performance spaces, the Brown Theater and the Cullen Theater, both of which feature comfortable seating and excellent acoustics. Performances at the Wortham are also accompanied by the Houston Ballet Orchestra, which is composed of some of the city’s finest musicians.
Houston Ballet’s commitment to excellence has earned it numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Best Regional Theater in 1997 and the National Medal of Arts in 2008. The company has also been nominated for numerous awards, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance in 2009 and the National Dance Project Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2011.
Houston Ballet is a major cultural force in the city of Houston and has become a beloved institution in the community. Through its commitment to artistic excellence and its dedication to providing educational and outreach opportunities, Houston Ballet is helping to ensure that the art of ballet will continue to flourish in Houston for years to come.