A 2023-2024 Season Worth Celebrating!
In 2003, Houston Ballet started a new chapter in its storied history when an innovative young choreographer took the reigns as Artistic Director, looking to build on the Company’s dedication to creation and lead the organization into the 21st century. Now, celebrating his 20th anniversary as Artistic Director, Stanton Welch has grown Houston Ballet into a choreographic eden for dancers and choreographers-alike, expanding the Company’s repertoire to include works from some of the most notable choreographers in dance history, as well as fostering up-and-coming creators. Houston Ballet’s 2023-2024 season pairs groundbreaking ballets added during Welch’s 20-year tenure with a thrilling lineup of new works from legendary creators and young talent, with six world premieres, three Houston Ballet premieres and the long-awaited return of audience favorites.
The season’s full lengths highlight the Company dancers’ powerhouse acting skills as much as the stunning technicality of their dancing. Marking a significant milestone for the organization, Houston Ballet became the first North American ballet company to perform two of the season’s ballets, John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Mayerling. These works both bring the drama – and the star-power – with a stark juxtaposition of comedic romance and dark tragedy, in their respective stories. Rounding out the trio of story ballets, Stanton Welch’s signature ability to weave complex stories for modern audiences will be at full strength in the revival of his fiery Cinderella.
Continuing to illustrate Houston Ballet’s deep connection with dance legends, this year’s mixed repertory programs shine with an incredible array of choreographers and new works. Audiences can look forward to world premiere ballets from internationally renowned choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Dwight Rhoden, both creating their first piece for the Company, along with the Houston Ballet premieres of Stanton Welch’s Bespoke, Jiri Kylian’s Overgrown Path and George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes. In addition, the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance will be a special 20th Anniversary celebration with four world premieres – a one-act from Stanton Welch himself, along with a showcase of choreographic lineage with three new works from former Houston Ballet Academy students and current Company members, Jindallae Bernard, Jacquelyn Long and Jack Wolff.
There is so much more in store for our audiences with a season full of celebration, creative storytelling and mesmerizing artistry. We can’t wait to share it with you in the theater!
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