Houston Ballet Jewels Program Vol 4, Issue 3

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 3

Pretty Things May 20-29, 2022

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JEWELS

CONTENTS

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FIRST POSITION A deeper dive into what makes George Balanchine’s choreography both iconic and recognizable; an up-close look at the dazzling Rubies costumes; a Q&A with former Balanchine student and repetiteur Diana White

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ARE YOU A BALANCHINE BUFF? Test your Balanchine trivia knowledge with a true or false quiz

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JEWELS Here you’ll find a QR code to the latest casting plus information on the artists behind Jewels

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ÉTOILE

Mireille Hassenboehler in Diamonds. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

Meet the visionary leaders investing in Houston Ballet’s world-class performances and programs

IN THIS ISSUE 8 Welcome Letter 24 Company Profiles 29 Corporate Spotlight 36 Annual Supporters 42 In the Wings HOUSTON BALLET

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Houston Ballet 601 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002 713.523.6300 info@houstonballet.org www.houstonballet.org Stanton Welch AM Artistic Director James Nelson Executive Director Ben Stevenson OBE Artistic Director Emeritus

PUBLISHED BY Houston Ballet

Welcome

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Jasmine Fuller Cane DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Kate Wood PROJECT STAFF Lynn Chung, Tory Lieberman, Jared Murphy ADVERTISING SALES Ventures Marketing Group Matt Ross

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 3

See you in the theater, VOL. 4, ISSUE 3 2022

HOUSTON BALLET

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Angela Lee

Jewels

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As the first full-length abstract ballet, Jewels made history and delighted audiences with its decadence and grandeur. Generously underwritten by cherished friend of Houston Ballet Hallie Vanderhider, this production is a wonderful opportunity to see our company perform a Balanchine ballet truly unlike any other. Houston Ballet’s performances of Jewels feature the stunning work of Emeralds and Diamonds repetiteur Diana White, and Rubies repetiteur Bart Cook. Having both been students of Balanchine himself, these repetiteurs bring invaluable perspectives to our production here in Houston.

I want to thank you, our loyal patrons.

Your continued support is invaluable to our company, and we are delighted to have you in the theater with us.

HoustonBallet

Dear Houston Ballet friends, I am thrilled to welcome you to George Balanchine’s elegant ballet Jewels.

Famed for its glittering costumes and iconic choreography, this production highlights three acts embodying three very different gemstones, united by their common attributes of grace, beauty, and luxury.

Jewels opens with Emeralds, performed to the elegant music of Gabriel Fauré. Balanchine’s choreography exudes both sophistication and strength as the artists dance in bejeweled green costumes. Second comes Rubies, a divergence from Emeralds, with sharp movements and fire-red fringed leotards.

The dissonant compositions of Igor Stravinsky accompany the ballet’s dynamic movements, which are meant to serve as a contrast to Jewels’ first and third acts. Diamonds then closes the show with its timeless choreography and opulent costuming. The music of Balanchine’s artistic inspiration, Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky, creates a finale that is nothing short of extraordinary.

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Angela Lane

STANTON WELCH AM Houston Ballet Artistic Director

Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch. Photo by Charles Ford

ON THE COVER Principal Jessica Collado with Artists of Houston Ballet in Rubies.

Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

FIRST

POSITION

Artists of Houston Ballet in Diamonds. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

SPOTLIGHT p. 12

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ANATOMY OF A SCENE p. 13

Analyzing Balanchine A 20th century gem reveals the many facets of Mr. B

By Nichelle Suzanne

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EN POINTE p. 14

AS THE FOREMOST CHOREOGRAPHER in the modern era of ballet, George Balanchine nearly single-handedly expanded the vocabulary of the art form. With an emphasis on speed, athleticism, movement above linear storytelling, and a preference for minimalism over exorbitant theatricality, he developed more than 400 dance works in his neoclassical

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UPLIFT p. 15

style between 1920 and his death in 1983. Despite his Russian origins, the choreographer’s influence shaped the landscape of American ballet immeasurably, creating ripples throughout the international dance world.

From dancers, Balanchine’s work demands an embodiment of style and a musicality as complex as its HOUSTON BALLET

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FIRST POSITION

score. “He pushes the envelope,” says Houston Ballet ballet master and former Principal Amy Fote of Balanchine’s choreography, “not only challenging you musically but technically.”

Fote’s advice when coaching a Balanchine ballet is to take risks and chances. “Go further than you think you can.”

The principles of the Balanchine method of training manifest throughout the choreographer’s much-beloved, 1967 triptych Jewels.

Its elegant and wistful opening movement, Emeralds, is adorned with a supple port de bras featuring characteristically persistent energy that extends to the very tips of the dancers’ fingers. Hip thrusts, quickly pivoting footwork and big, off-kilter arabesque distinguish the daring second act, Rubies. Dancers keep their weight in the balls of their toes, ready to alight out of nowhere. When all angularity falls away in the regal and composed final movement, Diamonds,

dancers rise through the foot instead of springing away from gravity’s pull and transition to plié with the indicative elasticity of Mr. Balanchine’s technique—unwilling to ruffle even the air.

Each movement of Jewels evokes a period and tradition in ballet.

Balanchine captures the Romanticism of early-19th century ballet in Emeralds, the deep green palette stirring images of enchanted forests and youthful romance. He returns to his Russian imperial ballet roots, exploring mature relationships with courtly grandeur in Diamonds, and flirts with his mid-20th century present to explore a more egalitarian love affair with American swagger and a dash of female empowerment in Rubies.

“If someone had never seen ballet, you get a little taste of it all,” remarks Fote.

The son of a composer, Balanchine simultaneously studied piano and ballet intensively throughout his

youth. The depth of his musical training is expressed eloquently in Jewels, as is his philosophy that dance needs no narrative. Famously quoted as having described dancing as “music made visible,” Balanchine’s artistic worlds merge on stage as he interprets excerpts from Gabriel Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande and Shylock, Igor Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 3, to dazzling effect in Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds (respectively).

In viewing Jewels, one attendant may indeed “see the music and hear the dance,” as Mr. B himself commands. Another might be captivated by the intricate patterns in the master’s choreography or delight in spying references to ornamental necklaces in the shape of a dancer’s arms. Still, another audience member may imagine a plot where supposedly none exists.

As gems do, Jewels sparkles due to a multitude of quintessentiallyBalanchine facets.

SPOTLIGHT

Hallie Vanderhider

Jewels underwriter and avid Ballet Ball supporter Hallie Vanderhider talks jewels: from George Balanchine’s abstract work and Houston Ballet’s dancing gems to a glittering themed Ballet Ball.

On supporting timeless works like Jewels: Longstanding companies like Houston Ballet are so diverse in their repertoire. That’s what makes our company special.

It’s always nice to see the dancers showcase their expert training in classic works like Jewels. I feel it’s important to support Houston Ballet’s ability to maintain the integrity of the company’s skills and technique through the classics.

On seeing Houston Ballet’s dancing gems take the stage: Nothing could make me happier than having the opportunity to see our dancers do what they do best live and onstage. They are so talented and their careers are not as long as many due to the athleticism required of them; therefore, we have to enjoy every leap and turn to the fullest.

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HOUSTON BALLET

Hallie Vanderhider. Photo by Gittings

On Houston Ballet’s most dazzling event: The Houston Ballet Ball is an evening unlike any other in the city. Anyone can throw a party, but no one does it quite like Houston Ballet. This year’s ball was themed Balanchine’s Jewels. Richard Flowers and The Events Company really take each theme seriously and the patrons are fully immersed from the moment they step out of their cars. Plus, the dancers really make the evening. It’s unique and special to not only dine with them but to also cut loose with them on the dance floor!

FIRST POSITION TWINKLING TIARAS Fun headpieces adorn the women of Rubies. While three different styles are present throughout the movement, this headpiece – shaped from wire and wrapped with cording – is covered in Swarovski crystals, faux rubies, and gold trim. Upon closer inspection, red mylar tabs also fill the gaps in between crystals to add shine and catch the light without adding weight.

IMITATION GEMSTONES Imposter jewels made from plastic and wrapped in foil provide a lightweight and durable alternative to the real thing. Placed among an abundance of prong set jewels and Swarovski crystals, these faux gems shine just as brightly under the stage lights.

These jewels embellish rich red spandex, velvet, and satin fabrics as well as souffle, nude illusion fabric used on the neckline of the women’s costume.

TWO BECOMES ONE Although it appears as one garment, the men’s costume is comprised of two pieces: a sleeve unit and a tunic. This traditional trick to men’s ballet wear allows for more mobility. The sleeve unit’s body is made from spandex, which allows the sleeve to be made from a solid satin fabric. The tunic, made from velvet, is then worn over the sleeve unit to appear as one seamless garment.

THE PEP IN PEPLUM The women’s peplum skirt alternates between satin and velvet tabs backed with a metallic crepe to accentuate Balanchine’s fiery choreography, and the men’s skirt follows similarly with metallic mesh. “If it were all red, it would all just kind of blend together,” says Fox. “I think with the metallic accent, you see the movement. So much of the movement of this ballet is reflected through these little tabs.”

Melissa Hough and Principal Connor Walsh in Rubies. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

ANATOMY OF A SCENE

The Glitz & Glamour of Jewels A closer look at the showstopping designs of Jewels costume designer Karinska

By Jasmine Fuller Cane

IN GEORGE BALANCHINE’S DECADENT BALLET JEWELS, there’s no shortage of dazzling gemstones, vibrant colors, and classic designs. The abstract ballet, inspired by a collection from jeweler Claude Arpels, decks out dancers in emeralds, rubies, and diamonds with elegant designs from costume designer Karinska.

“I think when you look at it, it feels like something off a big sound stage,” Head of Costumes Sandra Fox observes. “It’s very old Hollywood.”

Which tracks for Oscar-winning costume designer Karinska, whose golden design years were during the height of old Hollywood. Born Varvara Zhmoudska, Karinska emigrated from Ukraine and made stops in Paris and London before finally landing in New York City in 1939 to escape brewing conflict from World War II. Given a room at the School of American Ballet by Balanchine, Karinska’s new home provided a plethora of opportunities for collaboration from ballet to the silver screen.

Karinska’s designs for Jewels’ 1967 premiere expertly ties together her skill for ballet costumes and showstopping screen designs. While each costume’s basic form encompasses quintessential dance wear, the wow-factor comes down to Karinska’s ability to mimic the brilliance of emeralds, rubies, and diamonds through lightweight foil wrapped plastic in a sea of Swarovski crystals on vibrant fabrics. Take a closer look at Karinska’s beautiful designs through the Rubies costumes above.

HOUSTON BALLET

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FIRST POSITION

STEP

BY STEP Emeralds and Diamonds repetiteur Diana White talks through her detailed staging process

1. MUSCLE MEMORY “The beginning of the process starts with my own experience; for example, if I danced in Emeralds and Diamonds, I start with my own muscle memory and what I remember. I was in the company (New York City Ballet) for 20 years, and in certain cases, I saw shows danced by the original cast members, so I may have a certain visual recollection of the piece.”

2. VIDEO VIEWS “Then, there’s a long process of deconstructing by watching the videos. I watch the different areas of the ballet: the corps de ballet, the soloists, the principals; everybody has a part in the architecture of the ballet. They each have their own directions, so it’s a tremendous amount of preparation.”

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HOUSTON BALLET

Setting the Scene

From counts to choreography to onstage positioning, repetiteurs help shape ballets to take the stage. Emeralds and Diamonds repetiteur Diana White talks about bringing George Balanchine’s signature style to Houston Ballet and working with the world-class company.

George Balanchine is celebrated as the father of American ballet; his ‘neoclassical’ style and technical approach made his works distinct and recognizable. As a repetiteur, do you find staging Balanchine’s work different from staging other works? What makes Balanchine’s style so unique?

The style is inherent in the choreography; it’s straightforward.

When talking about Balanchine’s style, most people will mention an element of daring, an extreme quality. Above all, it’s musical. Great classical choreographers were often musical, but with Balanchine, it’s like the steps evolved from the music.

It’s sort of out-there; it’s very open.

When executed by a well-trained, classical dancer, there’s a sense of abandon and freedom with 100% commitment and energy.

Jewels’ three acts are distinctly different in most aspects, yet they string together to form one complete ballet. In terms of staging, which aspects of Emeralds and Diamonds make the two acts unique? Which aspects help unify them?

What makes them unique is their music. The music evokes different eras and countries. For example, the

Emeralds composer Gabriel Fauré is French, and the whole act is chic and elegant; it has a certain serenity...

What unifies Jewels’ acts is the joy of dance. And of course, you have these incredible costumes too, the ‘look.’

It’s like we’re in a heavenly jewel box; it’s a transcendent world. It’s unimaginably beautiful.

What is it like to work with Houston Ballet? Having worked with many ballet companies throughout your career, what sets Houston Ballet apart?

Houston Ballet is totally prepared; they’ve danced a lot of Balanchine, and they’ve worked with the best repetiteurs and coaches from Balanchine’s era already. Another thing I love is the diversity of the dancers…Because of this, so many dancers bringing different qualities to the table, you get this versatility.

To top it off, the absolute joy and privilege of being able to perform Jewels is not lost on these dancers.

They’re so excited to be doing this choreography, especially during these times; to be able to hear the music and perform for an audience, even just to be in a studio and working is a fantastic thing. It’s such a gift.

Diana White with Artists of Houston Ballet rehearsing Emeralds.

Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

3. SPELL IT OUT “Then, I write down the patterns on a piece of paper, I draw diagrams, and I write down the choreography in French - glissade, jeté, sous-sus writing it down helps me remember.”

EN POINTE

FIRST POSITION

UPLIFT

A R E YOU A

Balanchine Buff ?

Think your ballet knowledge is en pointe? Put it to the test with this true or false quiz about Jewels choreographer George Balanchine.

HOW’D YOU DO? RESULTS

1.

George Balanchine was born and raised in Paris, France.

2.

The first ballet in which Balanchine appeared onstage was The Sleeping Beauty, the performance which he later said made him “fall in love with ballet.”

3.

George Balanchine co-founded New York City Ballet along with renowned dance historian Lincoln Kirstein.

4.

Balanchine was a revolutionary choreographer with an innate sense of musicality despite not having any formal musical training.

5.

George Balanchine had four wives throughout his lifetime.

6.

The three acts of Balanchine’s Jewels – Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds – are never performed as standalone ballets.

0-3 Correct: BALANCHINE BEGINNER While you may not be familiar with all of George Balanchine’s history, you’ll still adore this dazzling performance designed to enchant ballet fans and newcomers alike. Balanchine was famed for his musicality and boundarypushing choreography, both of which you’ll be able to spot on the stage; you’ll be an expert before you know it!

4-6 Correct: BALANCHINE ON THE BRAIN

7.

In addition to his impressive original ballet repertoire, Balanchine also created choreography for Broadway shows and Hollywood movies.

8.

During his career, George Balanchine received many accolades, including an Emmy nomination, the first Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Well done! You’re no stranger to George Balanchine’s accomplishments, and you definitely know more about him than the average person. Hopefully, this quiz taught you some new fun facts about the father of American ballet; next time, you’ll be a Balanchine Buff for sure!

7-8 Correct: BALANCHINE BUFF

SCORE YOURSELF | ANSWERS 5.

6.

7.

8.

Bravo! You know your ballet history inside and out! You’re quite familiar with George Balanchine and his contributions to modern-day ballet.

You’re likely a balletomane yourself, and your Balanchine knowledge will further your appreciation of his trademark neoclassical style in Jewels.

3.

4.

1.

2.

False; Balanchine was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia and lived there until he was 20.

True; Balanchine’s first ballet was The Sleeping Beauty; he played Cupid in his second year at the Imperial School of Ballet and Theater.

True; Kirstein and Balanchine co-founded NYC Ballet in 1948.

False; According to NYC Ballet, Balanchine was a gifted musician who “studied piano and musical theory, including composition, harmony, and counterpoint, for three years.”

True; Balanchine was married four different times to Tamara Geva, Vera Zorina, Maria Tallchief, and Tanaquil LeClercq respectively.

False; Jewels’ acts are often performed as solitary ballets, most frequently Rubies and Diamonds.

True; Among his most celebrated works are Broadway’s On Your Toes (1936) and the movie The Goldwyn Follies (1938).

True; President Ronald Reagan once said Balanchine “Inspired millions with his stage choreography and amazed a diverse population through his talents.”

George Balanchine. Photo by Tanaquil LeClercq. Courtesy of New York City Ballet Archive

START THE QUIZ | TRUE OR FALSE?

HOUSTON BALLET

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Pretty Things

Originals May 20-29, 2022 June 2-12, 2022

Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra STANTON WELCH AM World Premiere MELODY MENNITE

Performed to music by

David Bowie

ONE|end|ONE JORMA ELO Hush CHRISTOPHER BRUCE Pretty Things TREY MCINTYRE

Production Production underwriting underwriting byby Allison Stephanie and Troy and Frank Thacker Tsuru

houstonballet.org houstonballet.org| 713.227.2787 | 713.227.2787 (ARTS) (ARTS) 16

HOUSTON BALLET

CREDITS p. 18

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THE ARTISTS p. 21

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ORCHESTRA p. 22

JEWELS FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 6, 2022

Melissa Hough and Principal Connor Walsh in Diamonds. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

“Jewels is a timelessly chic gift with all the significance of an heirloom.”

- CULTUREMAP

This performance lasts approximately two hours and twenty minutes.

There will be two intermissions lasting twenty minutes each.

For casting, scan the QR code.

THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC. HOUSTON BALLET

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CREDITS

Emeralds Choreography by George Balanchine (1904-1983) © The George Balanchine Trust

Costume Design by Karinska (1886-1983) Staged by Diana White

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HOUSTON BALLET

WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO

Two leading couples, three soloists and a corps de ballet of ten women take the stage for Emeralds.

Emeralds is often cited as the most reserved of the three, and the romantic tutus enhance the dreamy and elegant choreography.

Balanchine once said about the piece, “It is perhaps an evocation of France, the France of elegance, comfort, dress, perfume.”

The backing track to Emeralds consists of excerpts from two works of French composer Gabriel Fauré: Pelléas et Melisandra and Shylock. Both pieces are derived from incidental music – background music intended to add atmosphere to plays, television programs, and other mediums that are not primarily musical.

Amy Fote and Ian Casady in Emeralds. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

Music by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Pelléas et Melisandra and Shylock

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING

CREDITS

Rubies Artists of Houston Ballet in Rubies. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

Choreography by George Balanchine (1904-1983) © The George Balanchine Trust Music by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc, publisher and copyright owner Costume Design by Karinska (1886-1983) Staged by Bart Cook Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon, Pianist

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING

WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO

Once likened to Times Square at midnight, Rubies is a strikingly dissonant act featuring a leading couple, a female soloist, and a corps de ballet of both men and women. Rubies is faster and jazzier than Jewels’ other acts, and features bolder choreography designed to dazzle. Although Rubies is commonly thought to represent America, Balanchine said the boldness of the act is “simply Stravinsky’s music.”

Stravinsky’s 1929 composition Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra in three movements: Presto, Andante rapsodico, and Allegro capriccioso ma tempo guisto. Many have said it reflects the daring nature of American culture; however, the piece was composed years before Stravinsky moved to the United States. Although he and Balanchine worked together on many occasions, Stravinsky did not write the piece specifically for Jewels.

HOUSTON BALLET

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CREDITS

Diamonds Choreography by George Balanchine (1904-1983) © The George Balanchine Trust Music by Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29, first movement omitted

Staged by Diana White

WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO

As the crown jewel of the entire ballet, Diamonds features luxurious choreography danced by a leading couple, a group of soloists, and a large corps de ballet. Diamonds is reminiscent of Imperial Russia, Balanchine’s home, and is full of opulence and glamour. Balanchine pays tribute to Marius Petipa by using his trademark grandeur and scale throughout the entire act.

The latter four movements of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3 in D major score Diamonds. These movements first feature two scherzos, then a slow movement for a pas de deux, and then close with a polonaise Balanchine called “superb.”

Balanchine’s selection of Tchaikovsky is the perfect complement to Diamonds, as both the movement and the music throughout the act pay homage to his home in Russia.

Jewels World Premiere: April 13, 1967 by New York City Ballet at New York State Theater in New York, New York.

Houston Ballet Premiere: September 23, 2010 in the Brown Theater in the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas.

The performance of Jewels, a Balanchine® Ballet, is presented by arrangement with The George Balanchine Trust and has been produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique® Service Standards established and approved by the Trust.

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HOUSTON BALLET

Artists of Houston Ballet in Diamonds. Photo by Amitava Sarkar Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust

Costume Design by Karinska (1886-1983)

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING

THE ARTISTS

Artist Profiles GEORGE BALANCHINE (1904-1983) Choreographer Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, George Balanchine is regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet. He came to the United States in late 1933, at the age of 29, accepting the invitation of the young American arts patron Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996), whose great passions included the dream of creating a ballet company in America.

At Balanchine’s behest, Kirstein was also prepared to support the formation of an American academy of ballet that would eventually rival the long-established schools of Europe. This was the School of American Ballet, founded in 1934, the first product of the Balanchine-Kirstein collaboration.

Several ballet companies directed by the two were created and dissolved in the years that followed, while Balanchine found other outlets for his choreography. Eventually, with a performance on October 11, 1948, the New York City Ballet was born.

Balanchine served as its ballet master and principal choreographer from 1948 until his death in 1983. Balanchine’s more than 400 dance works include Serenade (1934), Concerto Barocco (1941), Le Palais de Cristal, later renamed Symphony in C (1947), Orpheus (1948), The Nutcracker (1954), Agon (1957), Symphony in Three Movements (1972), Stravinsky Violin Concerto (1972), Vienna Waltzes (1977), Ballo della Regina (1978), and Mozartiana (1981). His final ballet, a new version of Stravinsky’s Variations for Orchestra, was created in 1982. He also choreographed for films, operas, revues, and musicals.

Among his best known dances for the stage is Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, originally created for Broadway’s On Your Toes (1936).

The musical was later made into a movie.

A major artistic figure of the twentieth century, Balanchine revolutionized the look of classical ballet. Taking classicism as his base, he heightened, quickened, expanded, streamlined, and even inverted the fundamentals of the 400-year-old language of academic dance. This had an inestimable influence on the growth of dance in America. Although at first his style seemed particularly suited to the energy and speed of American dancers, especially those he trained, his ballets are now performed by all the major classical ballet companies throughout the world.

Copyright @ 2002 The George Balanchine Foundation. Reprinted by permission.

KARINSKA (1886-1983) Costume Designer Born Varvara Zhmoudska in Kharov, Ukraine on October 3, 1886, Ms. Karinska began her long career as the highly acclaimed interpreter of designs by such artists as Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall; however, it was as principal costumer of New York City Ballet that she made her name. Ms. Karinska’s first costumes were made for nightclub performers and the Comedie-Française, but in 1932 she received a commission from ballet and opera directors Colonel de Basil and Rene Blum to make the costumes for Balanchine’s ballet Cotillon, to designs

by Christian Berand. After many more commissions for theater as well as the ballet, she quickly became known as the only costumer able to translate an artist’s sketches into fabric. Ms. Karinska left Paris for New York City in 1939 where she created and designed costumes for opera, dance, and theater. Ms. Karinska also worked in Hollywood creating costumes for film.

In 1948, she won an Academy Award for her designs for Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc. Ms. Karinska worked with George Balanchine and New York City Ballet for the duration of her career with Balanchine appointing her as principal costumer of New York City Ballet in 1962. In the same year, Ms. Karinska’s achievements were publicly recognized when she received the Capezio Dance Award for costumes “of unusual beauty for the spectator and complete delight for the dancer.” A true perfectionist, she deserved the compliment paid to her by George Balanchine: “There is Shakespeare for literature and Madame Karinska for costumes.” Ms. Karinska died in New York on October 18, 1983.

KATHERINE BURKWALL-CISCON Pianist, Rubies Chicago native Katherine Ciscon received her bachelor’s degree in piano from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, and a double master’s degree in both piano performance and collaborative arts from the University of Houston Moores School of Music. She was named Principal Pianist of Houston Ballet in 1995 and has also been a vocal coach and Visiting Artist Professor of

Music at the Moores School of Music. While at Houston Ballet, Ms. Ciscon has performed as soloist in the world premieres of Stanton Welch’s Nosotros, Class and The Core, Justin Peck’s Reflections (world premiere of Sufjan Stevens music), Garrett Smith’s Reveal, James Kudelka’s Passion, Ben Stevenson’s Eclipse, and Trey McIntyre’s Bound, among others. She has also been featured as soloist in many works, including Stanton Welch’s Sons de L’âme and Tu Tu, William Forsythe’s Artifact Suite, Mark Morris’s Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, Jerome Robbins’s The Concert (Or the Perils of Everybody), and George Balanchine’s Rubies, Ballet Imperial, and The Four Temperaments.

JONATHAN MCPHEE Guest Conductor Jonathan McPhee is currently Music Director Emeritus for Boston Ballet after 29 years as Music Director and is Music Director for the Lexington Symphony. In addition, he is a guest conductor for New York City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Sarasota Ballet.

McPhee has served as conductor for The Royal Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, National Ballet of Canada, The Australian Ballet, Den Norske Ballet in Norway, and Royal Danish Ballet, among others. During the 2020-2021 season he was Artist in Residence at Boston University.

Mr. McPhee’s works as an arranger and composer are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. and Schott Music. McPhee’s edition of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and The Firebird are the only authorized reduced orchestrations of these works. His adaption of Wagner’s RING Cycle premiered in 2016 to rave reviews and will soon be available from Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. Mr. McPhee’s recordings of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, are available on iTunes. His recording of Michael Gandolfi’s Caution to the Wind is available on the CRI label. McPhee conducted for the films of Martha Graham’s works telecast by DANCE IN AMERICA, including Samuel Barber’s Cave of the Heart, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Errand into the Maze, and Edgard Varese’ Integrales, Offrandes, and Octandre.

He received his L.R.A.M. from the Royal Academy of Music and University of London, and a B.M. and M.M. from The Juilliard School.

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ORCHESTRA

Houston Ballet Orchestra Conducted by Ermanno Florio and Jonathan McPhee

FIRST VIOLIN Denise Tarrant*, Concertmaster Rachel Shepard, Assistant Concertmaster Linda Sanders* Sylvia Ver Meulen* Mary Reed* Oleg Sulyga* Chloe Yeseul Kim Hae-a Lee Kana Kimura Mila Neal SECOND VIOLIN Natalie Gaynor, Principal Trung Trinh*, Assistant Principal Elizabeth Frederick* Karen Hall Wilkson* Barbara Shreffler* Miriam Belyatsky Feld* Erica Robinson* Melissa Williams VIOLA Rene Salazar*, Principal Lorento Golofeev*, Assistant Principal Elizabeth Golofeev Erika Lawson Gayle Garcia-Shepard

CELLO Barrett Sills*, Principal Erika Johnson, Assistant Principal Dave Zeger* Steven Wiggs* Steven Estes* Esra Sturman BASS Curry Duffey*, Principal David Connor, Assistant Principal Greg Garcia* Carla Clark* FLUTE Susan Kang, Principal Peggy Russell* Colleen Matheu Johnson* PICCOLO Colleen Matheu Johnson*

CLARINET Eric Chi, Principal Sean Krissman BASS CLARINET Molly Mayfield BASSOON Michael Frederick*, Principal Amanda Swain HORN James Wilson*, Principal Jamie Leff Sarah Cranston* Kevin McIntyre

TIMPANI Alison Chang, Principal PERCUSSION Christina Carroll*, Principal Karen Slotter* Robert McCullagh HARP Joan Eidman*, Principal PIANO Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon* *Houston Ballet Orchestra members who have more than 10 years of service

TRUMPET Tetsuya Lawson, Principal George Chase TROMBONE Thomas Hultén*, Principal Michael Warny*

OBOE Mayu Isom, Principal Katherine Hart

BASS TROMBONE Brian Logan

ENGLISH HORN Grace Tice

TUBA Steven Needham

Acknowledgements Scenery and costumes courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada

Houston Ballet Orchestra members are represented by Houston Professional Musicians Association, Local 65-699, A.F. of M.

General Counsel: Vinson & Elkins, LLP

Stage Crew personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., Local 51.

Immigration Attorneys: Foster, LLP

Wardrobe personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., T.W.U. Local 896.

The dancers appearing in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists AFL-CIO

Houston Ballet is a member of Dance/USA Touring Representation: IMG Artists

OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET

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HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER

OFFICIAL SEASON SPONSOR OF HOUSTON BALLET

Artistic Staff Profiles STANTON WELCH AM The Harris Masterson III Artistic Director In July 2003, Australian Stanton Welch AM assumed leadership of Houston Ballet, America’s fifth-largest classical ballet company. Since he took the helm of the company, Mr. Welch has revitalized Houston Ballet, bringing in new dancers, commissioning new works, and attracting a top-flight artistic staff. Mr. Welch has created works for such prestigious international companies as Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet. Mr. Welch was born in Melbourne to Marilyn Jones OBE and Garth Welch AM, two of Australia’s most gifted dancers of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1989, he was engaged as a dancer with The Australian Ballet, where he rose to the rank of leading soloist, performing various principal roles. He has also worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato, and Maurice Bejart. In 1995, Mr. Welch was named resident choreographer of The Australian Ballet. For his contributions to the world of dance, he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2015. For Houston Ballet, he has choreographed more than 20 works, including a new full-length narrative ballet Marie (2009), inspired by the life of the legendary Marie Antoinette, and spectacular stagings of Swan Lake (2006), La Bayadère (2010), Romeo and Juliet (2015), Giselle (2016), The Nutcracker (2016), and Sylvia (2019).

ERMANNO FLORIO Music Director Ermanno Florio has impressed both audiences and critics in the major centers of Europe, North America, and Asia.

The extremely versatile Mr. Florio has well distinguished himself in genres of symphonic, operatic, and balletic repertoire. Mr. Florio maintains an active conducting schedule that has included extensive engagements with the world’s major ballet companies. In 1985, Mr. Florio was appointed Principal Conductor and Music Administrator of The National Ballet of Canada by Erik Bruhn and since 1992 has held the position of Music Director of Houston Ballet. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Florio held the position of Music Director of American Ballet Theatre. In March 2004, Mr. Florio was appointed Music Director of Het Nationale Ballet in Amsterdam and currently continues his relationship with the company as Principal Guest Conductor. Mr. Florio’s extensive discography includes DVD releases of critically acclaimed performances of The Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Onegin, Cinderella, The Merry Widow, Alice, The Nutcracker, La Ronde, and Le Corsaire with ABT, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Classical Program in the Performing Arts. Mr. Florio’s DVD recording of Don Quichotte with L’Orchestre de L’Opera National de Paris also won the Cannes Classical Music

Award for Best DVD in the category of Concert and Ballet Recordings. Mr. Florio’s music arrangements include scores for Patrice Bart’s Tchaikovsky, Das Flammende Hertz, and Gustaf III; Stanton Welch’s Marie and La Bayadère; and Asami Maki’s La Dame aux Camelias.

Upon his retirement after a 22-year professional career onstage, he joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet as ballet master in 2020.

AMY FOTE Ballet Master BARBARA BEARS Ballet Master Barbara Bears, winner of the silver medal at the 1991 International Ballet Competition, was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and received her early dance training from Victoria Leigh and James Franklin. Ms. Bears joined Houston Ballet as a corps member in 1988 and that same season was selected by Sir Kenneth MacMillan to dance the lead in his ballet Gloria. Ms. Bears was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1995 and after 20 years with Houston Ballet retired in 2009.

Ms. Bears’s repertoire included leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Romeo and Juliet, The Merry Widow, Manon, Onegin, and Madame Butterfly. Houston Ballet’s diverse repertoire has afforded Ms. Bears the opportunity to perform works by Glen Tetley, George Balanchine, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Christopher Bruce, Jiří Kylián, Anthony Tudor, Nacho Duato, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, William Forsythe, and Mark Morris. Ms. Bears had the honor of dancing under the directorship of both Ben Stevenson OBE and Stanton Welch AM. With choreographers at the helm, Ms. Bears created roles in over 30 different ballets. In 2001, Ms. Bears was honored to be featured on the cover of both Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine. In 2016, Ms. Bears joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet as ballet master.

IAN CASADY Ballet Master Ian Casady was born in Fairfax, California, and received his dance training there from David Roxander, Jody White, and Georgia Ortega. In 1998, Mr. Casady studied at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy before joining the company as a member of the Corps de Ballet. He was promoted to Soloist in 2002, to First Soloist in 2006, and to Principal in 2007. Over the course of his career, Mr. Casady has danced a wide range of roles in works by some of the most celebrated choreographers, both past and present. Mr. Casady has been fortunate enough to have danced on some of the most historic and famous stages around the world including Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center in New York, the Bolshoi in Moscow, the Champs Elysee in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, Sadler’s Wells in London, and theaters in Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, and Canada. Mr. Casady was a finalist at the 2002 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

Amy Fote began dancing at the age of four in her hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, under the direction of Jean Wolfmeyer. She continued her studies on scholarship at the National Academy of Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy, and at the Harid Conservatory, where she graduated with honors. Ms. Fote then accepted a position with the Milwaukee Ballet and rose through the ranks to become a principal dancer. During her 14 years with the company, she regularly performed at the Chautauqua Institution in New York and was subsequently invited to dance the title role in Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2005, she joined Houston Ballet, where she danced for eight seasons. In 2003, she was featured in a PBS documentary entitled Dancing Anna Karenina, focusing on her portrayal of one of the great heroines of Russian literature. She was also featured on PBS, performing Alonzo King’s Map, in a moving 9/11 performance. Following retirement, Ms. Fote accepted the position of Ballet Master with Ballet San Antonio.

Upon returning to Houston, she began teaching for Houston Ballet II and Houston Ballet before joining the artistic staff in 2018.

STEVEN WOODGATE Ballet Master Australian Steven Woodgate graduated from The Australian Ballet School in 1985. He performed with The Australian Ballet, progressing through the ranks to senior artist in 1996. In 2000, he was awarded The Churchill Fellowship, which enabled him to observe many ballet masters from around the world and study their various teaching methods. Mr. Woodgate joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet in January 2004. Mr. Woodgate has taught both student and professional classes around the world. Mr. Woodgate reproduced Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly for the Singapore Dance Theater, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West Utah, and The Australian Ballet. In 2009, Mr. Woodgate staged Clear for Angel Corella’s company in Spain and in 2011 re-staged Ronald Hynd’s The Merry Widow for Texas Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Teatro Colon Argentina and Houston Ballet.

Woodgate also represented Australia in the Moscow Ballet Competition in 1989. Woodgate danced principal roles in Ashton’s La Fille Mal Gardee, Van Praggh’s Coppélia, Bejart’s Le Concours and Gaite Parisienne, works by Tudor and Balanchine, Welch, and many other choreographers.

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Company Profiles Principals

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HOUSTON BALLET

Skylar Campbell

Soo Youn Cho

Jessica Collado*

Karina González

Birthplace Laguna Beach, California

Birthplace Incheon, South Korea

Birthplace Coral Springs, Florida

Birthplace Caracas, Venezuela

Dance Training Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky Classical Ballet Academy.

Mentored and coached

by David Allan

Dance Training Hye Young Kim Ballet School, Sun Hwa Arts School, Canada National Ballet School, John Cranko Schule Ballet School

Dance Training Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy, Ballet Nova of South Florida

Dance Training Gustavo Franklin Ballet School, Caracas, Venezuela

Joined the Company as Principal 2022

Joined the Company 2012

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2010

Promoted to Principal 2018

Promoted to Principal 2017

Promoted to Principal 2013

Yuriko Kajiya

Melody Mennite*

Connor Walsh*

Charles-Louis Yoshiyama*

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Principal Dancer

The Melza M. Barr Principal Dancer

The Fondren Foundation Principal Dancer

The Anita B. Stude Principal Dancer

Birthplace Aichi, Japan

Birthplace Santa Cruz, California

Birthplace Fairfax, Virginia

Birthplace Shizuoka, Japan

Dance Training Shanghai Dance School, National Ballet School of Canada

Dance Training Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy

Dance Training Kirov Academy of Ballet, Harid Conservatory, Houston Ballet Academy

Dance Training Hiraki Ballet School, English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy

Joined the Company 2014

Joined the Company 2001

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2008

Promoted to Principal 2014

Promoted to Principal 2008

Promoted to Principal 2007

Promoted to Principal 2016

The Robert F. Parker Principal Dancer

The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Principal Dancer

The Houston Ballet Guild Principal Dancer

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

COMPANY PROFILES

First Soloists

Christopher Coomer*

Mónica Gómez

Oliver Halkowich

Allison Miller*

Harper Watters*

Birthplace Birkenhead, England

Birthplace Havana, Cuba

Birthplace Florida Keys, Florida

Birthplace St. Petersburg, Florida

Birthplace Dover, New Hampshire

Dance Training Houston Ballet Academy, Wallasey School of Ballet

Dance Training National Ballet School of Cuba

Dance Training Miami City Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School

Dance Training Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts

Dance Training Houston Ballet Academy, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Portsmouth School of Ballet

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2015

Joined the Company 2002

Joined the Company 2006

Joined the Company 2011

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

Promoted to First Soloist 2019

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

Promoted to First Soloist 2021

The Houston Ballet Guild First Soloist

Soloists

Tyler Donatelli*

Christopher Gray

Ryo Kato

Bridget Kuhns*

Birthplace Huntington Beach, California

Birthplace Vancouver, BC, Canada

Birthplace Saitama, Japan

Birthplace Columbus, Ohio

Jacquelyn Long*

Mackenzie Richter*

Aaron Daniel Sharratt*

Alyssa Springer*

Birthplace Cleveland, Ohio

Birthplace Warner Robins, Georgia

Birthplace Tuscon, Arizona

Birthplace Orange County, California

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

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COMPANY PROFILES

Demi Soloists

Chandler Dalton*

Aoi Fujiwara*

Yumiko Fukuda

Estheysis Menendez

Naazir Muhammad*

Birthplace Richmond, Virginia

Birthplace Osaka, Japan

Birthplace Saitama, Japan

Birthplace Havana, Cuba

Birthplace Brooklyn, New York

Luzemberg Santana

Elivelton Tomazi

Natalie Varnum*

Andrew Vecseri*

Chae Eun Yang

Birthplace João Pessoa, PB, Brazil

Birthplace Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Birthplace Ashford, Alabama

Birthplace Houston, Texas

Birthplace Seoul, Republic of Korea

Corps de Ballet

Simone Acri

Henrique Barbosa*

Gretel Batista

Magnoly Batista*

Neal Burks*

Birthplace Saitama, Japan

Birthplace Maracanaú, CE, Brazil

Birthplace Havana, Cuba

Birthplace Santiago, Dominican Republic

Birthplace Jacksonville, Florida

Jaci Doty*

Caleb Durbin*

Danielle Esposito

Syvert Lorenz Garcia*

Rafaela Henrique*

Kellen Hornbuckle*

Birthplace Shenandoah, Iowa

Birthplace Newcastle, Australia

Birthplace San Diego, California

Birthplace Oslo, Norway

Birthplace Jundiai, SP, Brazil

Birthplace Ann Arbor, Michigan

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HOUSTON BALLET

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

COMPANY PROFILES

Kirsten Hunsberger*

Danbi Kim*

Fernando Martin-Gullans

Riley McMurray*

Caroline Perry*

Birthplace Las Vegas, Nevada

Birthplace Suwon, Republic of Korea

Birthplace Atlanta, Georgia

Birthplace Chicago, Illinois

Birthplace Orange County, California

McKhayla Pettingill*

Samuel Rodriguez

Madison Russo*

Song Teng*

Matthew West*

Jack Wolff*

Birthplace Phoenix, Arizona

Birthplace Atlanta, Georgia

Birthplace West Palm Beach, Florida

Birthplace Hunan, China

Birthplace Ibaraki, Japan

Birthplace Pearland, Texas

Apprentices

Jindallae Bernard*

Emma Forrester*

Eli Gruska

Jordan Lovelace

Birthplace New Orleans, Louisiana

Birthplace Houston, Texas

Birthplace Los Angeles, California

Birthplace Dallas, Texas

Zoe Lucich

Jackson Miles*

Yu Wakizuka

Birthplace Marin County, California

Birthplace Denver, Colorado

Birthplace Osaka, Japan

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

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Houston Ballet Staff ARTISTIC †Stanton Welch AM* Artistic Director Barbara Bears* Ballet Master Ian Casady* Ballet Master Amy Fote* Ballet Master Steven Woodgate* Ballet Master Katerina De Lawyer Artistic Coordinator Sarah Miller Artistic Administrative Associate ADMINISTRATION †James Nelson* Executive Director †Kelli Gilson General Manager Aileen Roberts Company Manager FINANCE †Kristi Roberts Chief Financial Officer †Rachel Koenig Director of Human Resources Thelma Hearren Controller Denise Guevara Senior Accountant Kenneth Knight II Payroll Coordinator Diamantina Peña* Accounts Payable Coordinator Cheryl Zane* Special Advisor Matthew Limes Human Resources Coordinator Garth Luther Associate Director, Facilities Alma Amaya, Patricia Barnes, Allison Johnson Receptionists TECHNOLOGY †MJ Bavaret* Director of IT Kelly Holcomb Cloud Services Manager Alejandro Rivas Network Administrator Joshua Jemio Help Desk II Silver Ehiwario Project Associate Gilbert Chapa Help Desk I NUTCRACKER MARKET †Patsy Chapman* CEO Jennifer Estrada Nutcracker Market Manager Abimbola Agbabiaka Nutcracker Market Communications Coordinator Susan Lehmann Nutcracker Market Associate Sofia Del Villar Nutcracker Market Associate

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HOUSTON BALLET

DEVELOPMENT †Angie Lane Chief Development Officer Haley Calvert Development Coordinator Stephanie Faulk Annual Fund Manager Angela Fulcher Assistant Director, Tessitura Operations Jasmine Fuller Cane Assistant Director, Publications Devon Furl Assistant Director, Special Events Joey Gaona Assistant Director, Institutional Giving Lucy Graham Donor Relations Manager Ana Gonzalez* Data Processing Manager Colleen Hargraves Individual Giving Coordinator Darry Hearon Assistant Director, Major and Planned Gifts Lindsey Hurst* Director of Institutional Giving Nao Kusuzaki Development Staff Associate Nancy Little Assistant Director, Individual Giving Madeline Patton Institutional Giving Coordinator Megan Raines Director of Individual Giving Kate Wood Development Communications Coordinator Alexandra Yates Senior Director, Special Events Baylee Zeringue Special Events Associate Coordinator MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS †Angela Lee* Director of Marketing and Public Relations Tory Lieberman Associate Director of Marketing Jared Murphy Graphic Designer Lynn Chung* Marketing Coordinator Christina Ferraz Public Relations Manager Emily Averitt-Cleveland Education Marketing & PR Coordinator Leslie Goodrum Retail Merchandise & Display Coordinator Anne Wheeler Archivist Project Manager David Rivera Associate Director of Audio & Video Services

Nicole Bacon Foreman Audio Visual Assistant Lauren Gayden* Associate Director of Ticketing Services Christina Martinez, Carlyn Scott* Box Office Managers Brittany Restrepo Ticketing Services Manager Rachel Walrath Ticketing Services Coordinator Mike Miles Audience Services Coordinator Austin Cushman, Arianna Day, Tabytha Donnelly, Cynthia Giron, Megan Goodlett, Soledad Lara, Nicole Levy, Stephan Little, Maxwell Paulus, Diamond Rector, Cynthia Saldana, Aaron Thomas, Mary Wemple Wortham Theater Center Box Office Customer Service Representatives PRODUCTION †Michelle de los Reyes* Head of Production †Sandra Fox Head of Costumes †Lisa J. Pinkham Resident Lighting Designer Grey Starbird Technical Director Jonathan Moore Stage Manager Eli Walker Assistant Stage Manager Kimberly Norlin Production Coordinator Ashley Christian Production Operations Manager Barry Thomas* Master Electrician Dustin Dowell Property Master Paul Gibson Assistant Electrician/ Light Board Operator Jason Mathis Assistant Electrician Andrew Harper Sound Consultant Gregory Stewart Head Carpenter Lafayette Andrews Assistant Carpenter Zachary Paugh Costume Shop Manager Crystal Breihan Company Wardrobe Coordinator Alexa Carlson Academy Wardrobe Coordinator Chris Abide, Drieux Dismukes, Dana Pike, Freddy Reymundo Wardrobe Supervisors Susie DeBlieck, Gloria Pazi, Wendy Stallworth Wig Technicians

Kendall Sarro Wardrobe Administrative Assistant MUSIC †Ermanno Florio* Music Director Richard Reeves* Orchestra Manager/Music Administrator Theresa Hanebury* Music Librarian/Pianists’ Manager & Technical Director Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon* Principal Pianist/Music Coordinator William Patterson Academy Pianist Manager Tyrone Boyle, Jennifer Edmondson, Grecia Lavenderos,* Benjamin Kaplan, April Zhi Li-Thompson, William Patterson, William Marsden* Pianists Krume Andreeveski, Benjamin Chavez, Krystel Grauvogl, Tomoe Hayashi,* Ning-Chih Hsu, Nara Jeffus, Elizabeth Mendez, Alex Navarro, Pelayo Parlade, Adeline Saylor, Michele Vesceri Part-Time Pianists James Edwards, Terrence Karn, William Suddreath Academy Part-Time Percussionists ACADEMY †Jennifer Sommers* Academy Director Claudio Muñoz* HBII Ballet Master Cheryne Busch* Upper School Principal Beth Everitt Lower School Principal & Children’s Ballet Master †Melissa Bowman Director of Curriculum Orlando Molina Academy Instructor & Boys Program Coordinator Susan Bryant*, Elizabeth McMillan, Kelly Myernick Kubin* Academy Instructors Katie Wesche Academy Administrative Manager Yahudi Castañeda Academy Artistic Operations Manager Carla Cortez Academy Registrar Dustin Shaw Academy Programs Manager Megan Doerksen Manager, Student Life Shelby Connolly Academy Artistic Operations Coordinator Tempest McLendon Academy Administrative Coordinator Akihiro Kawasaki Head Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach

Lauren Anderson* Associate Director, Education and Community Engagement Alexandra Garza Coordinator, Education & Community Engagement Jamie L. Cegelski Associate, Education & Community Engagement Yasmine De La Rosa Intern, Education & Community Engagement Michael Appleman, Brittany Bass, Gabrielle Becerra, Jacquelyne Boe, Melanie Boettcher, Durell Comedy, Dwayne Cook, Victoria De Bethencourt, Benjamin Delony, Dawn Dippel, Rupert Edwards, Carla Flores Keniston, LaRodney Freeman, Yamilka Galindo, Anna Gould, Valerie Handy, Spencer Hering, Gabrielle Johnson, Patricia King, Paige Kutschall, Gabrielle Luna, Ellen Mallon, Evoni McClain, Lindsey McGill, Mallory Mehaffey, Vance Monet, Robbie Moore, Kristina Mosbo, Paola Murga Parada, Argenis Nino, Lucinda Rohrer, Dawn Scannell, Minely Soto, Kathleen Tidwell Part-Time Academy Instructors & Teaching Artists Arin Alston, Lara Hannaford, Jamela Johns, Chloe Normand, Minely Soto, Katherine Wicks, Vance Monet, Anna Gould, Evoni McClain Part-Time Academy Class Monitors Pam Blangy, Jacquelyne Boe, Brittany Deveau, Danielle Farzanegan, Michelle Gregovic, Gabrielle Johnson, Nadia Khan, Patricia King, Ellen Blanchat Mallon, Katrina Olson, Lisa Petrozzi, Michelle Phillips, Hilary Schaff, Chelsea Smith, Jennifer Trimmer Wellness Team Kelsey Fyffe Academy Counselor Judy Spong Academy ESL Teacher Emily Hahn Academy Nutritionist Maria McCain Resident Dorm Supervisor Vance Monet Part-Time Dorm Chaperone Amy Pearl Resident Advisor Andrew Faulk, Nathanial Nakadate*, Peter Nguyen Academic Advisors HOUSTON METHODIST STAFF Carina M. Nasrallah, MS, LAT, ATC, CISSN Head Athletic Trainer Leanne Wonesh Academy Athletic Trainer

*Houston Ballet staff who have more than 10 years of service †Senior leadership

Corporate Spotlight Special thanks to our generous corporate sponsors that help make Houston Ballet’s 2022 performances of Jewels possible.

CELINE ASSIMON CEO

DAN MCCLURE Partner and Houston Ballet Trustee

De Beers Jewellers is proud to sponsor Houston Ballet’s Jewels. We recognize the importance of the arts and the vision of Houston Ballet to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb educational programs, which creates a perfect synergy with our Jewelry House.

De Beers Jewellers is the pinnacle of luxury diamond jewelry. Building on De Beers’ 130 years of expertise, the House glorifies the world’s most beautiful diamonds through creativity and craftsmanship in bold, distinctive designs.

De Beers is committed to ensuring all the diamonds it discovers create a lasting positive impact for people and the places where they are found.

This comes with a pledge to build a better future – one that is fairer, safer, cleaner and healthier, in which communities thrive, ethical practices are maintained, and the natural environment is protected.

We call this long-term commitment Building Forever.

We are proud to sponsor Houston Ballet and the company’s performances of Jewels. Houston is privileged to be the home of this internationally renowned dance company as its artistic vision continues to grow.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright provides the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service.

With more than 4,000 lawyers and other legal staff based in Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East, Norton Rose Fulbright has offices in more than 50 cities worldwide, including London, Houston, New York, Toronto, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Sydney and Johannesburg. The law firm has deep Houston ties dating to its founding 103 years ago in Houston.

Operating in accordance with its global business principles of quality, unity and integrity, Norton Rose Fulbright aims to provide the highest possible standard of legal service in each of its offices and to maintain that level of quality at every point of contact.

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2021-2022 Board of Trustees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS Ms. S. Shawn Stephens*, Chairman Mrs. Leigh M. Smith, President Mrs. Margaret Alkek Williams, Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth R. Zdeblick, Vice President – Academy Mr. Jesse H. Jones II*, Vice President – Development Mrs. Elizabeth Leykum, Vice President – Education & Community Engagement Mrs. Amy Pincu, Vice President – Finance Mr. Daniel M. McClure, Vice President – Investment Mr. Jerry Martin, Vice President – Marketing

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Mrs. F. T. Barr– Ms. Gillian Hobson – Mrs. Russell C. Joseph Ms. Jennifer Kushner – Chad Libertus – Ms. Leticia Loya – Mrs. Kelley S. Lubanko Mr. James J. Parr – Mrs. Carroll Robertson Ray– Mrs. Allison Thacker* – Stephanie Tsuru Mrs. Christine M. Underwood – Ms. Hallie Vanderhider – Mr. Marcus A. Watts – Mrs. Lynn Wyatt

TRUSTEES Mr. W. Cameron Alguire Dr. Julia D. Andrieni Mrs. Diane Bazelides Ms. Ann C. Bean Mr. Gary V. Beauchamp Mrs. Gina Bhatia Mrs. Susan Binney Mrs. Leslie Blanton Mr. Tony Bradfield Mrs. Kristy J. Bradshaw Ms. Lindsey Brown Mrs. Lenni Burke Mrs. Anne S. Chao Mr. James Cowan Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Mrs. Lilly Cullen Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Ms. Sasha Davis Mr. Bastiaan de Zeeuw Mrs. Pamela D. Earthman Sharon F. Erskine Mrs. Martha Finger Mrs. Allison L. Flikerski Richard W. Flowers Hon. Charles C. Foster Mrs. Kate Fowler Mrs. Jo Furr 30

HOUSTON BALLET

Mr. Mitchell George Mrs. Mignon Gill Sandra S. Godfrey Mrs. Donald M. Graubart Mr. Jeremy Griggs Mr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr. Mr. Herschel Hamner Dr. Joshua D. Harris Mrs. Nancy Ferguson Haywood Mrs. Winell Herron Mr. Michael Heckman Ms. Michelle Iversen Jeffery Mr. James M. Jordan* Natasha Khan Dr. Dale G. Konicek Elizabeth Mata Kroger Ms. Melanie Lawson Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee Mr. Mark Loveland Mr. Joseph A. Matula Mrs. Jean E. May Mrs. J. Luke McConn III Mrs. Kris McGee Richard K. McGee* Mrs. Martha Rocks McMurrey Mr. Shane A. Miller Mrs. Michael Mithoff

Marsha L. Montemayor Ms. Nancy Powell Moore Ms. Beth Muecke Dr. Duyen Huynh Nguyen Tammy Tran Nguyen Mrs. Cabrina Owsley Mr. Robert F. Parker* Mrs. Elisa S. Pye Mr. Ron Rand Macey Reasoner Laura M. Robertson Mrs. Akemi Saitoh Ms. Samira A. Salman Mrs. Louisa Stude Sarofim* (L) Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze Mrs. James Shaffer Dannika E. Simpson Mrs. Alicia Smith Mrs. Heidi Smith Dr. Liliana Soltero Mr. Karl S. Stern* Mr. Nicholas L. Swyka* Becca Cason Thrash Mrs. Ileana Treviño Mrs. Phoebe Tudor* Mrs. Kelli Weinzierl Mrs. Rini Ziegler (L) Life Trustee * Former Board President

Étoile

Étoile honors the visionary leaders who make extraordinary annual commitments of $100,000 or more to Houston Ballet. Étoile, translated from French, means “star” and is most frequently used in the ballet world to designate the highest ranking of principal dancers within a company – a fitting tribute to those whose generosity substantially underwrites Houston Ballet’s world-class performances, renowned dance training, and extensive community programs.

MELZA AND TED BARR Melza and Ted Barr, longtime Houston Ballet subscribers, are champions of Stanton Welch’s ambitious vision to bring Houston Ballet to the forefront of dance here in the U.S. and internationally. They were instrumental in making possible the 2015 world premiere of Romeo and Juliet and its milestone tour to Melbourne, Australia. Melza and Ted were also supporters of the campaign to build the Company’s Center for Dance and integral contributors to Houston Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund. Additionally, the Barrs endowed a Principal Dancer position in Melza’s name, currently held by Melody Mennite.

THE BROWN FOUNDATION, INC. For nearly four decades, The Brown Foundation has been one of Houston Ballet’s most generous philanthropic supporters. Established in 1951 and based in Houston, the Foundation distributes funds principally for education, community service, and the visual and performing arts. The Foundation was instrumental in contributing to Houston Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. The Foundation’s tremendous commitment to Houston Ballet’s endowment, general operating fund, and the Center for Dance has paved the way for Houston Ballet to grow into the world-renowned company it is today.

GARY V. BEAUCHAMP AND MARIAN WILFERT BEAUCHAMP As longtime members of the Ballet family, Marian and Gary’s extraordinary generosity has touched nearly every aspect of the Company, from production underwriting to support for the Ballet’s world-class dance facility. For the past two seasons, Marian and Gary have made important gifts toward one of Houston Ballet’s key education and community engagement initiatives – Student Matinees – which bring the joy of dance to thousands of schoolchildren each year, many of whom would not otherwise have such opportunity to experience performing arts.

MYRA BROWN Myra Brown is a longtime friend to Houston Ballet since moving to Houston from New Jersey over 20 years ago. Together with her late husband, Ira, Myra has been a devoted supporter and advocate for the arts in Houston and, in particular, aspiring young artists involved in the performing arts. She was instrumental in supporting a collaborative production featuring both Houston Ballet and University of Houston’s Moores School of Music.

She established an endowed scholarship in the Houston Ballet Academy, which creates an enduring legacy to help develop the next generation of ballet dancers for Houston and the world of dance.

ALBERT AND ANNE CHAO Albert and Anne Chao are inspiring community leaders and philanthropists who have supported the Ballet for more than a decade. The Chaos chaired the 2017 Houston Ballet Ball and provided critical support to the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund in 2020. Through the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, the Chaos provided instrumental and early support of Houston Ballet’s new production of The Nutcracker. Albert and Anne also serve in a number of leadership roles in other arts and cultural organizations throughout Houston.

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THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

CONOCOPHILLIPS ConocoPhillips has been a proud sponsor of Houston Ballet for more than three decades. As one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips is proud to support Houston’s thriving cultural arts community. ConocoPhillips’s investment in Houston Ballet’s mission and goals can be recognized in their support of the construction of Houston Ballet’s Center for Dance and productions including Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Giselle, and Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. They were honored at the 2019 Houston Ballet Ball.

Laura Robertson, Deputy General Counsel, serves on Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees.

THE CULLEN FOUNDATION One of the city’s oldest and most significant charitable institutions, The Cullen Foundation has supported Houston Ballet for nearly 50 years and is one of its most important benefactors.

Established in 1947, the Foundation has more than 70 years of giving history generously supporting cultural arts, education, health care, and public service in the greater Houston area, granting nearly $500 million to Houston institutions.

Notably, the Foundation was a lead supporter of Houston Ballet’s Center for Dance, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, and the Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in recent years.

THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts has been a generous underwriter of Houston Ballet’s presentation of new and premiere ballets for more than three decades. The Trust was established from assets of The Cullen Foundation to support Texas performing arts institutions, focusing on those within the greater Houston area. In addition to supporting new works, The Trust has been a generous sponsor of Houston Ballet’s endowment, the construction of the Center for Dance, and The Nutcracker. Additionally, The Trust has generously supported the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund and the Share the Joy campaign, providing both vital challenge grants.

THE JERRY C. DEARING FAMILY FOUNDATION The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation passionately supports Houston-based nonprofits that provide health, education, and sustainability services for the at-risk men, women, and children of Houston and Harris County. As a family-run private foundation that distributes funds for public charitable purposes, the Foundation principally provides encouragement and assistance to Houston-based nonprofits. The Foundation’s Executive Director Kate Dearing Fowler is an integral member of Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees, and the Foundation supports Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programming, which reaches more than 74,000 participants annually. The Foundation will be honored at the Raising the Barre event on April 24, 2022.

THE EVENTS COMPANY Houston Ballet is proud to count The Events Company among its top supporters. For many years, The Events Company has provided incredibly generous support to Houston Ballet’s special events and, especially, the Houston Ballet Ball. Their support has been instrumental in the success of numerous events. Richard Flowers of The Events Company joined Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees in the 2018-2019 season.

HOUSTON BALLET GUILD Founded in 1973, Houston Ballet Guild has supported Houston Ballet, its Academy, and special programs for more than 40 years. The Guild hosts the phenomenal Nutcracker Market each year and, along with other projects, has contributed millions of dollars since its inception. The group has underwritten the Sugar Plum Fairy costume in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and Houston Ballet’s bi-annual publication Houston Ballet News. Each year, Houston Ballet Guild volunteers collectively provide more than 5,400 hours of their time to support Houston Ballet.

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HOUSTON METHODIST This season will mark the 14th year of Houston Ballet’s partnership with Houston Methodist and the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM). Houston Ballet is proud to have Houston Methodist as its Official Health Care Provider as well as receive the unique benefits provided to the dancers through CPAM—a specialized group of more than 100 elite physicians working collaboratively to address the specific demands placed on performing artists. Recently ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Texas by U.S. News and World Report, Houston Methodist supports Houston Ballet through its philanthropic giving in addition to providing high-quality health care to the dancers. Through the ongoing pandemic, Houston Methodist has been instrumental in creating guidelines to keep Houston Ballet dancers safe and healthy as they return to the studio.

JESSE H. JONES II Jesse H. “Jay” Jones II was first introduced to the ballet when his mother served on the Houston Ballet Board of Trustees. Now a Board Trustee himself since 1983, he currently serves on the Board’s Executive Committee as Vice President of Development. Jay was a member of the search committee for Stanton Welch and co-chaired the committees for Houston Ballet’s Dance With Us, Crisis Relief Fund, and Share the Joy campaigns.

Jay was honored at the 2016 Ballet Ball and carries on a distinguished family legacy of civil leadership in Houston.

DEBORAH AND ED KOEHLER For nearly fifty years, Deborah and Ed Koehler have been Houston Ballet supporters and ticketholders. As the Executive Director of the Raymond N. Plank Philanthropy Fund, Deborah is instrumental in providing support to the Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programs.

The Koehlers have continued to give generously in honor of Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet’s Associate Director of Education and Community Engagement; they feel deeply connected to the importance of Lauren’s work in introducing Houston’s youth to the joy of dance.

KPRC Official Television Partner of Houston Ballet, KPRC has been a leader in the Houston community for more than 65 years. Their unparalleled support in providing media coverage for artistic programming and the annual Nutcracker Market allows the organization to showcase the Company’s worldclass talent. In addition to providing exceptional media coverage, KPRC is a strong supporter of Houston Ballet’s special events. Houston Ballet is proud to partner with KPRC, Houston’s home for news. Houston Ballet is honored to have Vice President, General Manager Jerry Martin as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees as Vice President of Marketing.

LETICIA LOYA For more than a decade, Leticia Loya has been a gracious supporter of Houston Ballet. Letty has held many leadership roles since she joined the Board of Trustees in 2005. From 2009 to 2016, she was Vice President of Academy, while championing the development of the Center for Dance facility.

Through Letty’s continued commitment to the Company, Houston Ballet has brought many new works to the stage, including Zodiac; Revisit, Rebirth, Revolt; and What the H Stands For. Letty was recently honored at the 2019 Ballet Ball, and graciously provided underwriting support for Stanton Welch’s series of dance films In Good Company.

CARROLL AND HUGH RAY For more than 20 years, Carroll Ray has championed the mission of Houston Ballet.

Her leadership has been instrumental to the success of many Houston Ballet initiatives, including the campaign of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Most recently, Carroll has underwritten a museum-quality installation for the Center for Dance to commemorate the Ballet’s history and achievements during its 50th anniversary season.

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ISLA AND T.R. RECKLING III Isla and T.R. Reckling III are both longtime supporters of the Ballet; as decades-long Opening Night season ticketholders, they have carried out a generational family legacy of support for Houston Ballet. Over the years, the Recklings have been active across many facets of the Ballet, including Nutcracker Market and special events such as the Ballet Ball. They were also important contributors to the Dance With Us campaign and the Crisis Relief Fund through leadership gifts.

YASUHIKO AND AKEMI SAITOH As lead underwriters for Houston Ballet’s 2022 Japan Tour, longtime Guild member and Trustee Akemi Saitoh and her husband Yasuhiko are committed to investing in the Ballet’s visibility on the world stage. The Saitohs have provided a warm welcome to Japanese students and dancers over the years, and have been invaluable in creating cross-cultural inroads for the Ballet, both in Houston and around the world. Akemi has traveled with the Company to both Hamburg and New York City, and their keen support of the Ballet’s special events has helped grow the Ballet Family among their many table guests over the years.

ALLISON AND TROY THACKER Loyal subscribers since 2012, Allison and Troy Thacker are deeply committed to seeing the Company prosper. Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Allison currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board. She and Troy made a generous challenge grant for the 2016 world premiere of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, helping to garner community-wide support for the new production. The Thackers underwrote Trey McIntyre’s world premiere, Pretty Things, in honor of the Company’s 50th anniversary; after a year’s delay, Pretty Things will premiere this season on May 20, 2022.

ANN TRAMMELL Ann Trammell has been one of Houston Ballet’s most steadfast advocates for over three decades.

Ann has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board and as a member of the capital campaign committee that raised $50 million for the Ballet’s state-of-the-art Center for Dance. She also is a member of the Arabesque Society, which recognizes friends who have included the Ballet in their estate plans, and was the honoree at the 2017 Ballet Ball. Recently, she was a generous contributor to Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and was instrumental in the Ballet’s Hurricane Harvey recovery and Crisis Relief Fund.

STEPHANIE AND FRANK TSURU Houston Ballet is honored to have Stephanie and Frank Tsuru as part of the Houston Ballet family. Stephanie serves on several boards across Houston and joined Houston Ballet as a Trustee in the 2018-2019 season, now serving on the Executive Committee. Stephanie and Frank generously underwrote Company dancer Oliver Halkowich’s world premiere in 2019 and are fundamental supporters of Houston Ballet special events. Stephanie and Frank are co-chairing the upcoming 2022 Ballet Ball and have generously underwritten Melody Mennite’s new work that will premiere this season.

PHOEBE AND BOBBY TUDOR Phoebe and Bobby Tudor have been amazing friends of Houston Ballet for more than two decades. Phoebe was a key member of the strategic planning committee and has served as Board President and Board Chairman. In 2014, Phoebe and Bobby underwrote John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing its American premiere to Houston Ballet, and underwrote the world premiere of Stanton Welch’s Sylvia in 2019.

Their incredible generosity was also instrumental in the creation of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, and they served as Honorary Chairs for the 2020 Ballet Ball.

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UNITED AIRLINES For over 15 years, United Airlines has been proud to be the Official Airline of Houston Ballet. United provides generous support to first-class arts organizations such as Houston Ballet and takes great pride in setting philanthropic standards in the community. United’s generous support has helped further Houston Ballet’s international recognition through its support of tours around the world, including tours to Melbourne, Australia; Ludwigshafen and Bonn, Germany; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. United Airlines was honored at the 2018 Ballet Ball.

HALLIE VANDERHIDER Hallie Vanderhider has made a tremendous impact since becoming part of the Houston Ballet family.

She joined the Houston Ballet Board of Trustees in the 2017-2018 season and recently extended her leadership by joining the Executive Committee.

As an incredible supporter of Houston Ballet’s special events, her generosity shines through the organization. Hallie served as Chairman for the 2018 Ballet Ball. Most recently, she underwrote Edwaard Liang’s Murmuration and provided critical support to the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund. This season, Hallie has generously underwritten our performances of George Balanchine’s iconic Jewels.

THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC.

MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS A pillar of the arts community in Houston, Margaret Alkek Williams is one of Houston Ballet’s most devoted supporters. Margaret has championed the works of Artistic Director Stanton Welch, supporting his landmark staging of Swan Lake in 2006. Her transformational gift in 2008 helped to build the Center for Dance. In addition, she endowed a Principal Dancer position held

by Yuriko Kajiya and Houston Ballet’s annual gala performance, the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance. She was most recently honored at the 2020 Houston Ballet Ball. Houston Ballet is fortunate to be one of many organizations impacted so greatly by her generosity.

THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC Founded in 1958, The Wortham Foundation is one of Houston’s most impactful art supporters contributing to the city’s performing and visual arts organizations as well as supporting community improvement projects throughout Houston. For nearly four decades, the Foundation has been instrumental in bringing many of Houston Ballet’s most loved and treasured story ballets to the Wortham Theater Center. The Foundation’s commitment to Houston’s arts and culture community can be seen and felt throughout the city—and it continues to uphold the values and incredible tradition of philanthropy established by founder Gus S. Wortham.

LYNN WYATT For more than 30 years, Lynn has been a passionate leader of Houston Ballet. She served as a key member of the search committee that recruited Stanton Welch AM. Their friendship has flourished over the years, and she continues to be a staunch supporter of his creative vision and has long been a champion of new work. Lynn generously underwrote Stanton Welch’s world premiere of Giselle and underwrote a new dance floor for the Company following the destruction from Hurricane Harvey. She was most recently honored at the 50th Anniversary Onstage Dinner.

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Annual Support Houston Ballet is grateful to our generous individual supporters who ensure we remain a world-class ballet company, bringing high-caliber, exhilarating performances and educational programming to audiences of all ages.

Directors Circle $50,000-$99,999

Friend of Houston Ballet Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff Bobbie Nau Mr. and Mrs. Reginald R. Smith Mr. Mike S. Stude

Artists Circle $25,000-$49,999

Friend of Houston Ballet Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bradshaw Lenni and Bill Burke Mrs. Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Mr. Victor Costa Dr. Michael Hawkins and Dr. Liliana Soltero

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loveland Stephen and Kelley Lubanko Kris and Richard McGee Marvin and Martha McMurrey Cabrina and Steven Owsley Mr. and Mrs. William E. Pritchard III

Mr. Kent A. Schaffer and Ms. Shara Kuy Dylan and Jordan Seff S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Bonnie Weekley Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Zdeblick

Presidents Circle $15,000-$24,999

Dr. Julia Andrieni and Dr. Robert Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Phil Bazelides Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Belanger Dr. and Mrs. Devinder Bhatia Sasha Davis and Joseph Matulevich Bastiaan and Nathalie de Zeeuw Mr. and Mrs. James E. Furr Mignon and Stephen Gill

Sandy and Lee Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Graubart Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr. Mrs. Nancy Ferguson Haywood Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Joseph Susan Lapin Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. May, Jr. Marsha L. Montemayor Ms. Nancy Powell Moore

James Nelson and Richard Lapin Mr. Dee S. Osborne Elisa and Cris Pye Macey and Harry Reasoner Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze Mrs. Marguerite M. Swartz Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas L. Swyka Mary and Greg Whalley

Impresario $10,000-$14,999

Friends of Houston Ballet Christopher Barr and Patricia Shanley Ms. Ann Bean Gary And Susan Binney Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Jr. Geraldine Briceño Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Myles and Leslie Culhane Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Marsha and Sam Dodson Bruce and Pamela Earthman Sharon F. Erskine Twana and Kelly Faykus Myrna Fisch Allison and Adam Flikerski The Friedkin Group/Marc and Brenda Watts 36

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Mitchell B. George and Stanley Curtis, Jr. Nancy L. Harwell Hope Huber Donna Kaplan and Richard Lydecker Dr. Dale G. Konicek Elizabeth and Bill Kroger Sissy Lappin Ms. Melanie Lawson and Mr. John F. Guess, Jr. Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee and Mr. Eugene E. Lee Evelyn Leightman Elizabeth and Charlie Leykum Marilyn G. Lummis Joseph and Jenifer Matula Judy and Dan McClure Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mithoff Ms. Beth Muecke

Drs. Duyen and Marc Nguyen Sara and James Parr Kevin S. Potter Mrs. Lila Rauch Ms. Samira A. Salman Max Seewann and Sheel Patel Helen and Jim Shaffer Dannika E. Simpson Heidi and Marcus Smith Jessica Trincanello and Jeremy Griggs Mr. and Mrs. David M. Underwood, Jr. Mr. Timothy Wampler Mrs. Kelli Weinzierl Drs. Randall and Crystal Wright Dow and Meredith Zabolio Rini and Edward Ziegler

ANNUAL SUPPORT VIRTUOSO $7,500-$9,999 Nancy C. Allen Zachary and Karen Bell Dr. Patrick Benge C. Robert Bunch and Lilia D. Khakimova Marion and Gary Glober Mr. Samuel F. Gorman Dr. Raymond and Leora Kahn Susan and Michael Klaveness Ms. Tracy N. LeRoy D. M. Marcinek Ginni and Richard Mithoff Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Plaeger II Dr. David W. Reininger and Laura Lee Jones Fay and George A. Rizzo Syma and Walter Zerkow AMBASSADOR $4,000-$7,499 Friends of Houston Ballet Mr. and Mrs. W. Kendall Adam Ms. Jacqueline S. Akins Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Alguire Maida and Paul Asofsky Anne Morgan Barrett Jack Bell Mr. Duane Bennett Muffet Blake Nancy Boruta Anne Orton Boss Ms. Michaela Botha Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bourne Mr. and Mrs. David A. Bristol, Jr. Lindsey Brown Judy Gray Brunk Reagan and Claudia Burch Carol Butler Jess and Patricia Carnes Beth and Michael Chambers Nada Chandler Mr. Robert Chanon Donna Collins Mr. Robert and Dr. Carol Collins C.C. Conner, Jr. and David Groover Sylvie and Gary Crum Rochelle Cyprus Douglas R. Davis and Rachel J. Littman David and Lynne Devine Mr. and Mrs. Cody Dick Sandra Didlake Ms. Jane DiPaolo Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Doneker Ms. Catherine M. Donohue Mrs. Carol Drawe Burl and Jenny Wang Drews Rebecca and Brian Duncan Danielle Ellis The Honorable Catherine and Mr. James Evans Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Faschingbauer Mary Ann and Larry Faulkner Vicki Faulkner Sidney Faust Marla and Stewart Feldman Marion and Caroline Freeman Joe and Laura Freudenberger Prince and Princess Piotr and Maria-Anna Galitzine Cynthia and Ty Geiger Dr. Eugenia George Ms. Debra Gibson Dr. and Mrs. George S. Glass Mr. and Mrs. Murphy Graham Mr. and Mrs. Joel Grossman William and Jane Guest Kerry and Jay Harpole Linda Lloyd Hart Susan and Michael Hawes Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hibbert

Gillian Hobson Gary Hollingsworth and Ken Hyde Lonnie Hoogeboom and Betsy Strauch Mrs. James E. Hooks Sandra and Richard Jackson Debbie and Frank Jones Mrs. Neale W. Kempner John Atterbury Kendall Ms. Ann Koster Mrs. Warren W. Kreft Mrs. Jennifer Kushner Angie Lane and Nick Eoff Stephanie Larsen and Bryn Kristen Larsen Chad Libertus Ms. Judy Liu Eugene F. Loveland Stephen and Chris Lukin Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mann Melanie and Jerry Martin Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Matiuk Dorothy B. McCaine Bill, Julie and Jason McClung Warren and Yana McFatter Mimi Reed McGehee Vickie Milazzo and Thomas Ziemba Mr. and Mrs. Jordan H. Mintz David and Mary Montague Kathleen Moore and Steven Homer Brad and Lauren Morgan Tammy and Wayne Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. James M. Nicklos Steven J. O’Connor and Catherine L. Cegielski-O’Connor Mr. Michael and Mrs. Catherine Oestmann Martha Farish Oti Mr. and Mrs. R. Robert Page Robert and Mireille Patman Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Alexander Pincu Mr. Vsevolod Popov Ms. Lori Fultz Priess Joan and Lou Pucher Sharon Roark Joseph Henry Rose Bob Scott and Susan Bickley Sarah and Tom Scott Susan and Ed Septimus Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Simmons Michael B. Smith Frances and Chris Stacy James Stafford and Deborah Keyser Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stibolt Summit Dental Center-Dr. Essa A. Kawaja Dr. Jeff and Erin Thompson Diana C. Treviño Paul and Sherry Vaughan Stanton Welch AM Mrs. Sara E. White Susan Whitfield Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski Loretta and Lawrence Williams Helen B. Wils and Leonard A. Goldstein Mr. John L. Zipprich II YOUNG AMBASSADORS $2,000 Friend of Houston Ballet Renee Anderson Nicholas Baran Katherine Brooker and Thomas Stenack Sara Carbo, River Oaks Dance Rebecca Childs Claudia Espinosa Jessie Gill Victoria Gutierrez Lindsey Hurst Shannon Lindamood Shane A. Miller David Moyer II

R. Trevor Myers Elizabeth Price Melissa Reihle Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ritchie Kristiann Rushton Lauren Walstad Hardy Alexandra Yates BRAVO $2,000-$3,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George J. Abdo Mrs. Elaine Adams Leslie Alston and Michael Zenker Lauren and Mark Bahorich Michelle and Lorne Bain Mr. and Mrs. Paul Balmert Drs. Robert and Nancy Benjamin Stephen and Linda Bickel Tessa Bodnar Ingrid Osborn Bond In Remembrance of Howard King Bostock Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brookner Mr. and Mrs. R. Lawrence Brown III Dr. and Mrs. Raul Caffesse Drs. Steven Craig and Janet Kohlhase In Memory of Ramon Creixell Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Denham Cynthia A. Diller Mrs. Jenny Elkins Betsy M. Figueroa Mrs. Elaine Finger Ms. Leslie Gassner Lisa Gray Dave and Bodil Guenther Sippi and Ajay Khurana Mr. and Mrs. William H. Knull III Dr. Claire Langston Paul and Nancy LeGros Nicole and Julius Leitner Mr. and Mrs. Peter MacGregor Monica McNeill Patti Mullendore Paula and Geoff Newton Paul and Arvella Oliver Mrs. Peg Palisin and Mr. Gary C. Gardner Captain Kim and Rosie Parker Grace Phillips and Eugene Nosal Jim and Kaylon Phillips Ann and Lou Raden Mr. Shannon Sasser and Mrs. Leslie Elkins Sasser Barbara and Louis Sklar Allison and Tom Stovall Dr. Wadi N. Suki and Dr. Adaani E. Frost Susan Lee Taylor Drs. Peter and Pamela Triolo Lynda Underwood Ann Wales Kristine and Stephen Wallace Betsy Winn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wright ENCORE $1,000-$1,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Norah G. Adams Ms. Cecilia Aguilar Joan and Stanford Alexander Jonni and Skip Almoney Kenneth Anderson and Jean-Marie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Aronson Ann and Jonathan Ayre Laura and Tom Bacon Anthony and Gina Bahr Kristina Baizan Devereux Mrs. Greta Bandy Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Banks Monica and Scott Barker HOUSTON BALLET

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ANNUAL SUPPORT

Corporations, Foundations, and Public Agencies Houston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the support of the following corporations, foundations, and public agencies. $750,000 OR MORE Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation, Inc. The Brown Foundation, Inc. Houston Methodist $500,000-$749,999 The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $250,000-$499,999 City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance The Cullen Foundation The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation The Hearst Foundations $100,000-$249,999 Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation ConocoPhillips Houston Ballet Guild The Elkins Foundation KPRC The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Texas Commission on the Arts United Airlines $50,000-$99,999 Bank of America Beauchamp Foundation Chevron City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc. The Freebird Foundation H-E-B Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Humphreys Foundation KPMG The Powell Foundation Shell Oil Company Vivian L. Smith Foundation Wells Fargo $25,000-$49,999 Baker Botts LLP De Beers Jewellers The Fondren Foundation William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation M. D. Anderson Foundation

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Norton Rose Fulbright Rand Group The Sarofim Foundation Texas Children’s Hospital – Pavilion for Women Truist Bank Van Cleef & Arpels Vinson & Elkins LLP $10,000-$24,999 Bora Consulate General of Italy – Houston Entertainment Industry Foundation The Friedkin Group George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Jerome Robbins Foundation KNOWAutism Foundation Robert & Pearl Knox Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee John P. McGovern Foundation Mitsubishi International Corporation Nan and Company Properties National Endowment for the Arts Scurlock Foundation Sidley Austin The William A. & Madeline Smith Foundation Sterling-Turner Foundation Truluck’s The Vaughn Foundation $2,500-$9,999 BHP Bridge Development Partners LLC The Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation The Sartain and Tamez Family Trust Fund Strake Foundation $1,000-$2,499 EagleLight LLC Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated The Oshman Foundation Performance Solar Inc.

Stephen Barnes, MD, JD and Amy Barnes Deborah Bautch Victor and Anna Mae Beghini Fund Elise Bentch Ed A. and Valerie Blair Mona Bostwick Ms. Barbara Brooks Cecilia and David Campbell Marilyn Caplovitz Stephanie and Ted Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cato Drs. David A. Cech and Mary R. Schwartz Dr. Rupi Chatha Angela Chen Drs. Melissa and Stephen Chen Neel and Adrienne Choksi Janette Choy Steve and Lynne Clark Mr. Wayne Clark Brenda J. and Richard Clem Judy and Art Coen Alice and Michael Conlon In Memory of Becky Crow Ms. Gay Currie Mr. and Mrs. John deGroot Cindy and Al DeMoya Drs. Rafael Diaz and Yanett Anaya Jeanne Doornbos and Michael Maher The Escalona Family Suzi Feickert Mr. Robert Feldman Charles and Sharlynn Fenn Mrs. Madeleine Ferris Ms. Stella Fitzgibbons Mike and Lindsay Fiuzat Ermanno and Franca Florio Mary Lou Flynn-Dupart Mr. and Mrs. Harris Forbes Curtis Ford Lois Frankel Christopher and Ann Frautschi Paula Friedlander Robert and Jayne Garner Ms. Lucy Gebhart Stephan Gelinsky Anne Marit Ghazi Jason and Monik Giordano Russell Handy Karen R. and Franklin J. Harberg, Jr. Ms. Jacquelyn Harrison Mr. Robert Heyl Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Ross K. Hill Ms. Kathryn de Sousa Craig and Kate Holzhauser Mr. Scott P. Howard Ms. Barbara J. Hughey Mr. James Hunter Caroline and Bruce Hurley Mr. Francisco J. Izaguirre Debra W. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Justin Jarski Jill and Dunham Jewett Ms. Emily Kao Ara Karian Ms. Jody Kelley Ann and Tom Kelsey Doug and Karen Kenaley Stephen and Patricia King Rob and Karen Kwok Brenda Landry Parry and Sydney Lauzon Alex and Victoria Lazar Mr. Jaime Ledergerber Joseph Levitan and Nicolo Messana George and Helen Littell Mrs. Sylvia Lohkamp Linnar Looris

ANNUAL SUPPORT Mr. Robert Lorio David and Susan Loveland Marvin Lummis Dr. Brian Malechuk and Mr. Kevin Melgaard Mr. Thomas Manners Renee Margolin Shelly Mark Dr. Mary F. McAleer Mr. and Mrs. James McCartney V Michael and Onalee McEwen April and Wells McGee Ms. Patricia McMahon Bill and Judy McNamee Katie and Kurt Meissner Christianne Melanson and Durwin Sharp Colonel Michael Mergens and Mrs. Mergens Julie Miles Mrs. Eileen Moore Ms. Desrye Morgan Terrylin G. Neale Mrs. Kim T. Nguyen Mrs. Jo Papadakis Carolyn W. Payne Richard A. and Thelma A. Percoco Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Ray Wanda A. Reynolds Ms. Diana Riggle Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. Rigo Elena Lexina and Brian Rishikof Maura and Walter Ritchie Gregory and Dina Rozenfeld Brenda and Mansel Rubenstein DonNell Rushing Robert and Michele Ryan Mrs. Dominique D. Salazar-Rodgers and Dr. Shawn M. Rodgers Dan and Brenda Sauls Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Sellen Juan Serrato M.D. Audrey and Sofie Sims Jewel Sims and Thomas Springer Tricia and Mark Singer Mrs. Randal Smith Mr. William Snypes and Mrs. Suzanne Suter Mrs. Christine Sofka Ms. Judy Spinella Christen and Amy Springs Carol Todd Stamatedes James and Ginger Stark Marty and Bob Stein Mr. Sam L. Stolbun and Dr. Alana R. Spiwak Dr. Jeffrey Sweterlitsch Kay and Bert Tabor Amir Taghi Dr. Deborah A. Thomas Marty Thomas Mrs. Jean A. Unger Dean Walker Suzanne Walstad Dr. and Mrs. J. Anthony Walter III Barbara and Howard Weiner Mike and Joan Weltzien Mr. Gary Whitney Mary Anne Wilkinson and Bill Samelson Janice B. Willett The Wolens Family Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Wright Lori and Scott Wulfe Cheryl Lynn Zane †in memoriam These generous donations were received before January 31, 2022. For more information about supporting Houston Ballet through annual membership, please contact Nancy Little, Assistant Director, Individual Giving, at 713.874.5446 or nlittle@houstonballet.org.

Arabesque Society The Arabesque Society recognizes and honors those friends who have provided for Houston Ballet in their estate plans. These generous individuals allow Houston Ballet to continue to perform world-class ballet, be a premier training ground for dance, and create important education and community outreach programs by helping to safeguard its future. With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the following donors for including Houston Ballet in their estate plans.

Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George Abdo Susan Battelstein Jack Bell Dr. Patrick Benge The Edna Madden and Paul John Berres Charitable Remainder Trust Myra Brown Tripp Carter Cecil C. Conner, Jr. Sasha Davis Burton Dickey and Yean Sun Debra Donaldson Sharon Erskine Susan Feickert Myrna Fisch Mrs. Barry Galt Mitchell B. George Mr. Samuel F. Gorman Anne and Donald Graubart Mr. Jas A. Gundry Linda Lloyd Hart Ms. Karen J. Hartnett Nancy Ferguson Haywood Dr. Lamar and Jane Jackson Charitable Remainder Trust Jesse H. Jones II

Barbara and Raymond Kalmans John A. Kendall Dr. James E. and Betty W. Key Mrs. Evelyn Leightman Christianne Melanson Shane A. Miller Mr. Juan R. Morales Ms. Kathleen Much Mrs. Patti Murphy James D. Nelson Dr. Susan Osterberg Richard A. and Thelma A. Percoco Dr. Didier Piot Rick and Kathy Plaeger Shelly and Marty Power Mrs. Lila Rauch Sharon Roark Jon and Nell Schwartz Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Toth Ann G. Trammell Lynda Lighthouse Transier Ms. Jana E. Vander Lee Elba L. Villarreal Dean Walker Margaret (Midge) Wische Cecily and Jim Young Mr. John Zipprich

We honor the memory of those who included Houston Ballet in their estate plans.

Harriet Bath Audrey Jones Beck Joe Anne Berwick Raymona Brown Bomar Mary Frances Newton Bowers Suzanne S. Braden Ira B. Brown Lawrence E. Carlton George W. Ernst, Jr. 52 PLAYBILL Frank R. Eyler Linda K. Finger Cora Lee Gott David Haber Mickey Hagey

Kevin Harvey Mr. John S.W. Kellett Frederick Adrian Lee Mr. E. Daniel Leightman Elizabeth Martin Harris Masterson III Mr. William McAnear Charles Edward McKerley Dr. Matilda B. Melnick Robert A. Moody David Glenn Puckett Gloria E. Roberti Mr. Richard H. Stork Anita B. Stude Dorothy B. Thomas

For more information about The Arabesque Society, please contact Megan Raines, Director of Individual Giving at 713.535.3241 or mraines@houstonballet.org

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Houston Ballet Endowment Endowed funds assist Houston Ballet in attracting talented artists.

The Harris Masterson III Artistic Director – Stanton Welch AM The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Principal Dancer – Yuriko Kajiya The Melza M. Barr Principal Dancer – Melody Mennite The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Principal Dancer – Jessica Collado The Fondren Foundation Principal Dancer – Connor Walsh The Houston Ballet Guild Principal Dancer – Karina González The Houston Ballet Guild First Soloist – Allison Miller The Anita B. Stude Principal Dancer – Charles-Louis Yoshiyama The Robert F. Parker Principal Dancer – Soo Youn Cho The Carolyn Lee and Frederick Adrian Lee Production Fund supports the creation of new productions and the restoration of existing works.

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation endows the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance, Houston Ballet’s annual gala performance.

The Ira and Myra Brown Young Dancer Scholarship Fund underwrites training for Academy dancers annually.

The Fayez Sarofim & Co. Touring Fund supports Houston Ballet’s domestic and international tours.

The C. C. Conner Scholarship Fund, The Roy M. Huffington Scholarship Fund, The Billie Bath Perlman Scholarship Fund, and The Winifred Wallace Scholarship Fund each underwrite training for one HBII dancer annually.

The Margaret Wiess Elkins Young Artist Fund, The Ben Stevenson Scholarship Fund and The Anita Borges Stude Scholarship Fund each underwrite training for one Academy dancer annually.

The AIG American General/AIG VALIC Education and Community Engagement Programs Fund helps Houston Ballet reach a broad population of all ages and economic levels.

With deep gratitude, we salute the following donors for their contributions to the Endowment.

$5,000,000 OR MORE The Brown Foundation, Inc. Estate of Frederic Adrian Lee $3,000,000-$4,999,999 Estate of George W. Ernst, Jr. The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $1,000,000-$2,999,999 The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation, Inc. The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Houston Endowment, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III†

$500,000-$999,999 Ira† and Myra Brown National Endowment for the Arts Mr. Fayez Sarofim $100,000-$499,999 Friends of Houston Ballet AIG American General/AIG VALIC Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Arnold, Jr. Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation Estate of Audrey Jones Beck Estate of Joe Anne Berwick Estate of Suzanne S. Braden Mrs. Laurie Champion The Cockrell Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Coneway Charles Engelhard Foundation Mr. James A. Elkins, Jr.† The Elkins Foundation

The Fondren Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William J. Gillingham† Hearst Foundations Mr. William J. Hill† Barbara F. and Gerald D. Hines† Hobby Family Foundation Houston Ballet Guild Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long Mary Ralph Lowe Estate of William McAnear Mr. and Mrs. George P. Mitchell† Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy S. O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Parker Mr. Henry Salvatori Scurlock Foundation Tarrant Hancock Trust Estate of Dorothy B. Thomas †in memoriam

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HOUSTON BALLET

Deborah Duncan, Tiffany Halik, and Donae Chramosta at the Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show and Luncheon

Happy shoppers at Nutcracker Market

SPECIAL EVENTS

2021 Nutcracker Market

Happy shoppers at Nutcracker Market

Katrina Arnim, Mignon Gill, and Tina Raham Stewart at the Macy’s Fashion Show and Luncheon

THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY NUTCRACKER MARKET – THE REDO, which was held November, 10-14, 2021, was as spectacular as the ‘Sparktaculars’ that kicked off the Wells Fargo Preview Party!

Held at NRG Center and chaired by long-time Guild member, Mignon Gill, Nutcracker Market attracted more than 78,000 shoppers who shopped at more than 260 merchant booths. The Market generated close to $19 million in sales and the net profit to Houston Ballet was approximately $4.5 million. Apart from the famed Wells Fargo Preview Party, Nutcracker Market also held the Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s Fashion Shows and Luncheons. The honoree for the 40th Anniversary Nutcracker Market was YOU – the shopper, Guild member, committee member, staff member, donor, volunteer, merchant, vendor, sponsor or social media follower – everyone who contributed to the success of the Market.

Happy shoppers at Nutcracker Market

Mark and Courtnay Elias at the Wells Fargo Preview Party

HOUSTON BALLET

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In the Wings After two glorious and critically acclaimed premieres in Houston and Sydney, Stanton Welch’s Sylvia makes a fierce return to the Wortham Theater Center stage for story ballet bliss. Welch brings his own interpretation to the classic story of the strong mythological heroine, the huntress Sylvia, and her love for a mortal shepherd. The ballet follows her journey as she’s torn between her duty and her desires. Welch’s inspired work will showcase a constellation of figures from Greek mythology woven together in a tapestry of three love stories. This ballet is set to Léo Delibes’ famous score and provides an opportunity to see the classic story through Welch’s unique and creative narrative. This mythical romance is surrounded by gorgeous costume and scenic designs by worldrenowned ballet and opera designer Jerome Kaplan, with lighting design by Lisa J. Pinkham and projections by Houston Ballet favorite Wendall K. Harrington, whose delicious designs were featured in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker.

Houston Ballet will present Sylvia March 10 - March 20, 2022 at the Wortham Theater Center.

For tickets, please visit houstonballet.org or call the box office at 713.227.2787.

Soloist Mackenzie Richter. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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HOUSTON BALLET

Jewels Feb. 24 - March 6

Emeralds Rubies Diamonds

Production underwriting by Hallie Vanderhider

houstonballet.org | HOUSTONBALLET.ORG/ACADEMY 713.227.2787 (ARTS)