Houston Ballet Vol4 Issue1

HoustonBallet

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 1

Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance

VOL. 4, ISSUE 1 2021

SHARE THE JOY OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

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Principal Melody Mennite and Ballet Master Ian Casady. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

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MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE

CONTENTS

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FIRST POSITION Returning to the theater; celebrating Jay Jones; anatomy of the Divergence tutu; translating film to stage

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THANK YOU, MARGARET A thank you from Artistic Director Stanton Welch to longtime Houston Ballet supporter and Jubilee of Dance namesake, Margaret Alkek Williams

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MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE The repertoire and artists behind the outstanding showcase

29 ÉTOILE

First Soloist Mónica Gómez. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Welcome Letter 22 Company Profiles 34 Annual Supporters 40 Special Events 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

Welcome DEAR HOUSTON BALLET FRIENDS, We are delighted to welcome you back to the Wortham Theater Center for our first live performance in over eighteen months. We have long been awaiting the chance to perform for you, safely and inperson in our home theater.

The Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance has been an annual event since its debut in 2004. This unique performance highlights the diversity of talent and technique among Houston Ballet’s artists.

A tribute to all the Ballet has to offer, this performance reflects the strength, unity, and perseverance of Houston Ballet and our phenomenal supporters. Despite the many challenges we’ve encountered in the past several months, our passion for creating meaningful performances for you has not wavered.

Opening and closing Act I is Divergence, a striking and dramatic original ballet with bold Vogue inspired costumes to match. Created when I was 24 years old, Divergence is one of my

PUBLISHED BY Houston Ballet CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Angela Lane

oldest allies. When I see the opening of Divergence, I see a fingerprint of that in everything I do.

Sprinkled throughout the performance are a series of fan favorite pas de deux.

These paired acts, which are often an integral part of a ballet, have new meaning as we perform them again after such a long hiatus.

Closing the evening, we bring In Good Company to life onstage, originally an 11part film series debuted at the beginning of the year. These works, set to music from folk band The Dead South, are a celebration of life – of dancing, singing, talking and laughing with family and friends – celebrating the connection to community, which we need more than ever. Special thanks to longtime Trustee Letty Loya for making this work possible.

Houston Ballet has long awaited tonight’s return to stage, and we are grateful for your support now more than ever. Thank you – and see you in the theater.

STANTON WELCH AM Houston Ballet Artistic Director 4

HOUSTON BALLET

Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM. Photo by Charles Ford

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HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 1

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FIRST

POSITION UPLIFT p. 8

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ANATOMY OF A SCENE p. 9

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EN POINTE p. 10

A Joyous Return to the Wortham

Houston Ballet returns to its home theater after a year and a half away

Principals Karina Gonzalez and Connor Walsh. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

By Nancy Wozny

HOUSTON BALLET RETURNS to the stage on September 30-October 3 with the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance, a spectacular evening designed to highlight the Company’s extraordinary range of talent and depth of repertoire, along with a chance to mark a big occasion, which in this case is Principal Melody Mennite’s 20th Anniversary.

“I tell my friends that Jubilee of Dance is like a wonderful ballet smorgasbord,” says Mennite. “You get a taste of everything we do.”

Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch agrees. “Jubilee of Dance is a great way to sample all the artists and performances that our audiences have missed during HOUSTON BALLET

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the pandemic.”

Since Jubilee of Dance launches the season, Welch also sees it as a new beginning and fresh start. “It’s like a reunion between dancers and the audience, like Princess Aurora’s awakening in The Sleeping Beauty Act II after what felt like a 100-year sleep. Remember Aurora means ‘dawn.’”

Since Mennite was in the Company at the time of Jubilee of Dance’s inception, she has danced in every single one and can readily recall standout moments. Her cherished memories include performing Welch’s tour de force Carmina Burana. “It was early in my career, and I found myself dancing right next to stars like Barbara Bears and Amy Fote,” she recalls. “Dancing Stanton’s Wildlife (Corroboree) in full body paint, and presenting my own work on the company, Oh,

there you are, were both awesome experiences.”

The show opens with Divergence, Welch’s heavy metal full company ballet famous for its flying rubber tutus and bold choreography. “We have not danced with more than two people for a year and a half, so every time we have four, or eight, or ten, that should feel very impactful to the audience and to us,” says Welch.

Welch describes the ballet as loaded with “ferocity,” which is right up Mennite’s alley. “It’s gutsy, and has this push back energy,” says Mennite. “I call it Stanton’s rebellious child ballet with a rock and roll essence. It’s so refreshing.”

Pas de deux from Don Quixote and Le Corsaire, alternating each night, will please the traditionalists at heart. “These dances are a return to a classical ballet pas de deux in its fullness, with its solos and codas,”

adds Welch.

As the Company transitions from screen to stage, audiences will also get a chance to see a live version of Welch’s popular collection of short films In Good Company, set to several songs by the Canadian bluegrass band The Dead South. “It will be really interesting to see how Stanton stages the piece. There’s a ton of energy behind it, and it feels very emotional to me,” explains Mennite.

As for being in the Company for two decades, the petite Principal has nothing but humility and pride for all that she has accomplished.

“I have lived a lot of life in this Company and given a lot of my life to this Company,” muses Mennite.

“I have grown a lot, and I feel like I can give back and be a mentor to the younger dancers. It feels great to be recognized and celebrated now. I can let it in.”

UPLIFT

Spotlight: Jesse (Jay) H. Jones II

Stalwart supporter Jay Jones shares his unique perspective on Houston Ballet – past, present, and future On leadership over the years, especially this past year: Coming so quickly on the heels of Harvey, Crisis Relief Fund Campaign Co-Chair Shawn Stephens and I realized what needed to be done. Keeping Houston Ballet intact, with an eye on an eventual return to stage, was both our mandate and inspiration. And how tremendously gratifying it has been to keep our Company dancing with the support of so many members of the Ballet family!

On Houston’s love affair with the arts: Houston’s story is a uniquely can-do one, and our world-class arts organizations and medical center are testaments to that spirit and vision. Our forefathers committed to building the best of the best locally, a tradition that’s proudly carried forward today by Houstonians of all stripes.

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Jesse (Jay) H. Jones II. Photo by Wilson Parish

On engaging – and globally growing – the Ballet family via digital works: As we all know, Houston Ballet is a dynamic international company – renowned for our excellent dancers, superb Academy, and unique creative perspective – and ‘going online’ has broadened our reach on a global scale. I am so touched that the Ballet has dedicated the most recent (digital) version of Stanton’s iconic work Play to me – connecting our history to the future is where I want to be. Showcasing our work digitally will keep the Company and the art form moving forward.

FAUX BODICE From the audience, the sculptural black bodice appears to be weathered leather, but upon closer inspection, viewers would be surprised to learn that it’s a half inch thick foam. During construction, the foam is secured over a dress form and heated to mold its shape. Then, a wide elastic band is secured in the back with snap buttons for dancers to easily fasten.

HAIR FLAIR Made to look like hair sculptures, the headpieces are made from a combination of wire mesh and black raffia – a straw-like material cultivated from palm trees – and finished with a lacquer spray to give it shine. A hole is left to make way for a hair bun and secured with many pins to keep it in place during leaps and turns.

INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH TUTU Resembling an Elizabethan collar, the tutus are made from plastic mesh found in air-conditioning units. After being cut on a curve with a hot knife, the tough material is precisely tacked and hand pleated to create the look of undulating ribbon. Lastly, the edges are bound with color. “That’s what’s so striking when you’re looking at it; like it’s highlighted,” Fox remarks on the binding.

ANATOMY OF A SCENE

A Timeless Tutu

A look at Vanessa Leyonhjelm’s iconic Divergence design

Demi Soloist Estheysis Menendez. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

By Jasmine Fuller A STIRRING SCORE from Georges Bizet perfectly pairs with the explosive and unexpected choreography of Stanton Welch’s 1994 creation, Divergence. But equally striking, the timeless tutus in the opening sequence perfectly top off the sleek ballet.

Now nearly 30 years later, the distinct Divergence tutu remains a precedent for modern tutus that follow, which is mission accomplished for the late Vanessa Leyonhjelm who’s one thought when designing these costumes was “How can I make this fashionable today, and fashionable forever?”

The simplistic silhouette in classic black lends itself to mold to the ever-changing fashion landscape, but it’s the industrial screen material and pleated construction of the tutu that give it a modern edge. “The material itself keeps it really timeless,” Head of Costumes Sandra Fox explains. “And the way that it’s put together almost like a ruff, which is very of a certain time period; we can think of it as being Elizabethan but also very modern looking.”

SPECIALTY STORAGE Typically, traditional tutus can be stacked on what the costume department lovingly refers to as ‘tutu trees,’ but to keep the pleats from compressing on the Divergence tutus, a storage cabinet of narrow shelves was built specifically for them. “It’s almost like a paper cabinet you would see at an art store,” Fox explains.

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EN POINTE

You’re In Good Company Stanton Welch reconfigures his dynamic digital series into a live performance as Houston Ballet begins its new season

By Kate Wood

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it in a different language.” While some of the choreography remains consistent, there are many elements to a live show that aren’t present in a digital piece: entrances and exits, formations, and the presence of a full ensemble on the Wortham Theater stage.

Rather than being filmed separately, the artists are dancing together as a group, which Welch acknowledges as being very different from the digital solos of this spring. Welch created around the same concept but used different methods of producing the piece: “It’s a different way of putting it together; both are painting, but one is using a brush and one is using your hands.” He doesn’t believe one production method is better than the other. In his eyes, virtual and live productions are simply “different art forms, like singing and dancing.”

Through this digital series, Houston Ballet has significantly amplified

its virtual presence. Online viewers across the globe were able to witness a performance they perhaps would never have otherwise seen. Welch hopes to expand Houston Ballet’s online presence even further to continue sharing the love of ballet with as many audiences as possible. “I think digital is important. We need a presence online,” says Welch. “I think we’ve got to, now, really invest in filming ourselves at the Wortham so that we can show people what we look like.”

There are, however, major differences in the artists’ energies and dispositions when performing in front of a live audience. Described as “the human element” by Welch, the excitement in the wings before a live performance is palpable. After taking a step back from the stage, Houston Ballet appreciates now more than ever the electric connection between dancer and audience.

Corps de Ballet dancer Fernando Martin-Gullans. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

AS HOUSTON BALLET TRANSITIONS back to a typical ballet performance season, Stanton Welch’s In Good Company transitions with the Company. Inspired by the gritty folk music of The Dead South, Welch created his 11-part digital series at the start of this year. Each artist was filmed separately to abide by social distancing protocols; later, the footage was edited to appear as though they were dancing side by side. Welch refers to this as “a kaleidoscope effect” – the virtual piece feels multilayered and unified, despite being created in solitude. Generously underwritten by Leticia Loya, In Good Company was designed to have a sense of familiarity and union – echoing the reunion between the Company and audience during their opening night after over a year and a half apart.

The process of translating this virtual piece into a live performance was described by Welch as “rewriting

Thank you, Margaret

Margaret Alkek Williams and Stanton Welch AM. Photo by Wilson Parish

Thank you from Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS has long been considered one of Houston’s most prominent fine arts supporters. She is dedicated to the continued enrichment of our local artistic community through her time and generous endowments.

Her commitment over many years has allowed our city’s culture to flourish, and Houston Ballet will always be grateful for Margaret’s friendship and devotion.

We thank Margaret for her endowment of our annual gala, the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance. Normally a one-night-only event, we open our season with five performances after being away from our home theater for so long. Jubilee of Dance is a brilliant tribute to Houston Ballet’s diverse repertoire and displays our dancers’ stunning range of talent.

Among Margaret’s most noteworthy contributions to Houston Ballet is her underwriting of my Swan Lake in 2006, which dazzled audiences in Dubai during our 2018 tour to UAE. With this tour, Houston Ballet artists were able to grow their experience on an international stage. Margaret’s generosity also provided the Margaret Alkek Williams Dance Lab in our Center for Dance, which is utilized frequently as a space for performances and educational discussions alike. Her support has allowed the Houston Ballet Center for Dance to expand and develop into the world-class facility it is today.

To Margaret – Your incredible devotion to Houston Ballet has allowed us to elevate our performances year after year. We want to thank you for the time and commitment you have continually offered to our organization; you will always be a valued member of our family. We have you to thank for years of beautiful shows and events that have solidified Houston Ballet as a pillar in the fine arts and dance communities.

From Jim, myself, and the entire Houston Ballet – thank you.

HOUSTON BALLET

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HOUSTON BALLET

REPERTOIRE p. 14

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ARTISTIC PROFILES p. 18

MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS

JUBILEE OF DANCE

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 3, 2021

HOUSTON BALLET

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MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE

This performance lasts approximately two hours and 17 minutes. There will be two intermissions lasting 20 minutes each.

See insert for casting.

Houston Ballet Orchestra conducted by Ermanno Florio and David LaMarche Lighting Design/Recreation by Lisa J. Pinkham

Act I DIVERGENCE First Movement Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Georges Bizet (1838-1875) L’Arléisenne Suites No. 1 Costume Design by Vanessa Leyonhjelm (1958-2021) Lighting Design by Francis Croese SYLVIA Generously Underwritten by Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Sylvia & The Shepherd Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Léo Delibes (1836-1891) Costume and Scenic Design by Jérôme Kaplan Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham Projection Design by Wendall K. Harrington A TIME TO DANCE Red Girl Solo Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Antonin Dvořák (1841-1904) Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham OF BLESSED MEMORY Solo and Pas de Deux Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Joseph Canteloube (1879-1957) Chants d’Auvergne Courtesy of Editions Heugel (Alphonse Leduc Editions Musicales) Costume Design by Stanton Welch AM, realized by Laura Lynch Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham Nicole Heaston, Soprano

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HOUSTON BALLET

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE

PLAY Dedicated to Jesse (Jay) H. Jones II Seventh Movement Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Moby Run on Written by Moby Published by BMG Rights Management UK Performed by Moby Licensed by Little Idiot Costume Concept by Stanton Welch AM Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham FLOWER FESTIVAL IN GENZANO Pas de Deux Choreography by August Bournonville (1805-1879) Music by Edvard Helsted (1816-1900) and Holger Simon Paulli (1810-1891) MADAME BUTTERFLY Cio-Cio San & Pinkerton Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Adapted and Arranged by John Lanchbery OBE (1923-2003) By arrangement with Theodore Presser Company, Agents for Editions Mario Bois, publisher and copyrights owner Costume and Scenic Design by Peter Farmer (1936-2017) Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham SYLVIA Generously Underwritten by Phoebe and Bobby Tudor Artemis & Orion Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Léo Delibes (1836-1891) Costume and Scenic Design by Jérôme Kaplan Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham Projection Design by Wendall K. Harrington DIVERGENCE Finale Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Georges Bizet (1838-1875) L’Arléisenne Suites No. 1 & No. 2 Costume Design by Vanessa Leyonhjelm (1958-2021) Lighting Design by Francis Croese

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Soloist Ryo Kato. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE

Act II BIG SKY Choreography by Stanton Welch AM Music by Aaron Copland (1900-1990) By arrangement with the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, copyright owner, and Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., sole publisher and copyright licensor.

Costumes realized by Pat Padilla Set realized by Thomas Boyd Lighting Design by Christina R. Giannelli DON QUIXOTE (September 30, October 2 matinee, October 3) Kitri & Basilio Choreography by Ben Stevenson OBE Music by Alois Louis Minkus (1826-1917) Arranged by John Lanchbery OBE By arrangement with Theodore Presser Company, agents for Heugal S.A., publisher and copyright owner Costume Design by Judanna Lynn Scenic Design by Thomas Boyd Lighting Design by Christina R. Giannelli LE CORSAIRE (October 1, October 2 evening) Medora and Ali Choreography by Ben Stevenson OBE after Marius Petipa (1818-1910) Music by Adolphe Adam (1803-1856)

Act III IN GOOD COMPANY Generously underwritten by Leticia Loya Choreography by Stanton Welch AM For Mark Music by The Dead South In Hell I’ll Be in Good Company Achilles The Recap Long Gone The Dead South Ballad for Janoski Honey You All songs performed by The Dead South Written by Colton Crawford, Nathaniel Hilts, Daniel Kenyon, Scott Matthew Pringle Published by Peermusic The Dead South appears courtesy of Six Shooter Records Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham Demi Soloist Natalie Varnum. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

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MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS JUBILEE OF DANCE

Artistic Profiles NICOLE HEASTON Soprano Praised by the Houston Chronicle for her “warm supple soprano” and by the New York Times for her “radiant” and “handsomely resonant voice,” soprano Nicole Heaston has appeared with opera companies throughout the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Dallas Opera, Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Semperoper Dresden, Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf, and the Glyndebourne Festival in England. The soprano’s 2021-22 season will include returns to San Francisco Opera, making a role debut as Despina in Così fan tutte, Houston Grand Opera, singing the role of Liù in Turandot, and Houston Ballet as the featured soloist for Of Blessed Memory. She sings further performances of Liù with Maryland Lyric Opera, and will perform in “The Majesty of the Spiritual” at Aurora College in January 2022. Future engagements include leading roles at Den Norske Opera (Oslo), Houston Grand Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and The Glimmerglass Festival. During the 2020-21 season, her close collaboration with Houston Grand Opera continued, as she performed Yolanda Cantrell in Jim Luigs’ reimagined The Impresario and Sir Elton John’s Trainer in David T. Little and Royce Vavrek’s chamber opera Vinkensport, co-hosted Giving Voice with Lawrence Brownlee, and presented a recital with Richard Bado as part of the Live from the Cullen recital series, all presented as part of Houston Grand Opera’s re-imagined digital season.

DAVID LAMARCHE Guest Conductor David LaMarche has been working as a conductor in the dance field for over thirty-five years. He served as Music Director for the Dance Theatre of Harlem from 1993 to 1998 and conducted many of the company’s premieres. In addition, he composed and arranged several scores for the repertory. As a guest, he has conducted for New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Houston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, The Jose Limon Company, The Paul Taylor Dance Company, L’Opera di Roma, Het National Ballet, Les Grand Ballets Canadiens, Ballet British Columbia and Ballet West. The orchestras he has directed include the Houston Symphony, the Lyric Opera Orchestra of Chicago, the Pacific Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, The Paris Opera Orchestra, the National Arts Center Orchestra of Canada, the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Moscow Radio Orchestra, the Tivoli Festival Orchestra, and the Orchestre Lamoreux.

Mr. LaMarche is currently in his twenty-first year on the staff of American Ballet Theatre and is the Music Director of the Paul Taylor American Dance Company. This Fall, he will be a Guest Lecturer In the Collaborative Piano Department at the Juilliard School of Music. As a writer, he is a regular contributor to New York Concert Review. He is a graduate of Boston University and resides in New York City.

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Principals Karina González and Connor Walsh. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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NOVEMBER 11-14, 2021 at NRG CENTER

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Discount tickets available for $18 now at Ticketmaster.com and at any H-E-B Business Center starting October 11.

Tickets are $20 at the Market.

All proceeds benefit Houston Ballet Foundation, its Academy and scholarship programs.

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Nutcracker Market will follow all CDC and NRG Park health and safety guidelines in place at the time of the show.

Artistic 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, America 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

Soo Youn Cho

Jessica Collado*

Karina González

Birthplace Incheon, South Korea

Birthplace Coral Springs, Florida

Birthplace Caracas, Venezuela

Dance Training 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 2012

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2010

Promoted to Principal 2018

Promoted to Principal 2017

Promoted to Principal 2013

The Robert F. Parker Principal Dancer

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The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Principal Dancer

The Houston Ballet Guild Principal Dancer

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, 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

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

COMPANY PROFILES

First Soloists

Christopher Coomer*

Mónica Gómez

Oliver Halkowich

Allison Miller*

Birthplace Birkenhead, England

Birthplace Havana, Cuba

Birthplace Florida Keys, Florida

Birthplace St. Petersburg, Florida

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

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2015

Joined the Company 2002

Joined the Company 2006

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

Promoted to First Soloist 2019

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

Promoted to First Soloist 2018

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*

Harper Watters*

Birthplace Cleveland, Ohio

Birthplace Warner Robins, Georgia

Birthplace Tuscon, Arizona

Birthplace Orange County, California

Birthplace Dover, New Hampshire

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

HOUSTON BALLET

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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

HOUSTON BALLET

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Houston Ballet Orchestra Conducted by Ermanno Florio and David LaMarche

FIRST VIOLIN Denise Tarrant*, Concertmaster Rachel Shepard, Assistant Concertmaster Rasa Kalesnykaite* Linda Sanders* Carrie Kauk* Sylvia Ver Meulen* Mary Reed* Oleg Sulyga* Anabel Detrick* Chavdar Parashkevov* SECOND VIOLIN Natalie Gaynor, Principal Trung Trinh*, Assistant Principal Elizabeth Frederick* Karen Hall Wilkson* Barbara Shreffler* Miriam Belyatsky Feld* Erica Robinson*

VIOLA Rene Salazar*, Principal Lorento Golofeev*, Assistant Principal Dawson White Elizabeth Charles Golofeev* Marcia Ryan* Mary Fulgham* CELLO Barrett Sills*, Principal Erika Johnson, Assistant Principal Max Dyer* Wendy Smith-Butler* Dave Zeger* Steven Wiggs* 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* OBOE Elizabeth Priestly Siffert*, Principal Spring Hill* Mayu Isom ENGLISH HORN Spring Hill*

BASSOON Michael Frederick*, Principal Amanda Swain HORN James Wilson*, Principal Jamie Leff Sarah Cranston* Spencer Park TRUMPET Tetsuya Lawson, Principal Will Strieder* Theresa Hanebury* TROMBONE Thomas Hulten*, Principal Michael Warny*

CLARINET Randall Griffin*, Principal Eric Chi Amanda Witt

BASS TROMBONE Richard Reeves*

TUBA Mark Barton*, Principal TIMPANI Alison Chang, Principal PERCUSSION Christina Carroll*, Principal Karen Slotter* Robert McCullagh HARP Joan Eidman*, Principal PIANO/CELESTA Katherine BurkwallCiscon* *Houston Ballet Orchestra members who have more than 10 years of service

BASS CLARINET Eric Chi

Acknowledgements This annual performance is generously endowed by The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation.

Sylvia is a co-production between Houston Ballet and The Australian Ballet.

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

General Counsel: Vinson & Elkins, LLP

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

Immigration Attorneys: Foster, LLP

Houston Ballet is a member of Dance/USA

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

Touring Representation: IMG Artists

OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET

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

HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER

OFFICIAL SEASON SPONSOR OF HOUSTON BALLET

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 Lucy Graham Board and Executive Relations 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 Jennifer Greene Nutcracker Market Communications Manager Susan Lehmann Nutcracker Market Associate

DEVELOPMENT †Angie Lane Chief Development Officer Haley Calvert Development Coordinator Stephanie Faulk Individual Giving Coordinator Angela Fulcher Assistant Director, Tessitura Operations Jasmine Fuller Assistant Director, Publications Devon Furl Assistant Director, Special Events Joey Gaona Assistant Director, Institutional Giving Ana Gonzalez* Data Processing Manager Colleen Hargraves Development Events Coordinator Darry Hearon Donor Relations Manager Lindsey Hurst* Director of Institutional Giving Nao Kasuzaki 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, Individual Giving and Special Events Baylee Zeringue Special Events Associate Coordinator MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS †Angela Lee* Director of Marketing and Public Relations Tory Lieberman Marketing Manager Jacalyn Lawton Public Relations Manager Jared Murphy Graphic Designer Lynn Chung* Marketing Coordinator David Rivera Associate Director of Audio & Video Services Nicole Bacon Audio Visual Assistant Lauren Gayden* Associate Director of Ticketing Services Leslie Goodrum Retail Merchandise & Display Coordinator Christina Martinez, Carlyn Scott* Box Office Managers

Brittany Restrepo Ticketing Services Manager Rachel Walrath Ticketing Services Coordinator Mike Miles Audience Services Coordinator Kendahl Bermudez, Carmen Galvan, Megan Goodlett, Nicole Levy, Stephan Little, Maxwell Paulus, Aaron Thomas 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 Zachary Paugh Costume Shop Manager Crystal Breihan, Alexa Larson, Wardrobe Coordinators Kendall Sarro Wardrobe Administrative Assistant Glinda Andersen, Alfredo Gonzalez, Monica Guerra, Beau Hamilton, Ashley Jones, Serhiy Ovechko, Freddy Reymundo, Chandler Summerlin Costume Technicians Drieux Dismukes, Lauren Ramsey, Freddy Reumundo Wardrobe Supervisors Meghann Mason Wig Supervisor Susie DeBlieck, Ashly Martinez, Gloria Pazi, Wendy Stallworth, Dylan Sulak, Darcie Teasley Wig Technicians Barry Thomas* Master Electrician Dustin Dowell Property Master Paul Gibson Assistant Electrician/ Light Board Operator Jason Mathis Assistant Electrician Andrew Harper Sound Consultant

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 LiThompson, 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 Terrence Karn, Ilya Kolosz, William Suddreath Academy Part-Time Percussionists ACADEMY †Melissa Bowman Academy Director †Jennifer Sommers* Director of Education Claudio Muñoz* HBII Ballet Master Cheryne Busch* Upper School Principal Beth Everitt Lower School Principal & Children’s Ballet Master 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 Student Services Coordinator Shelby Connolly Academy Artistic Operations Coordinator Tempest McLendon Academy Administrative Akihiro Kawasaki Head Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach Lauren Anderson* Associate Director, Education and Community Engagement

Michael Appleman, Brittany Bass, Gabrielle Becerra, Jacquelyne Boe, Melanie Boettcher, Durell Comedy, Dwayne Cook, Benjamin Delony, Dawn Dippel, Mary Jean Doornbos, Rupert Edwards, Carla FloresKeniston, LaRodney Freeman, Yamilka Galindo, Spencer Hering, Gabrielle Johnson, Patricia King, Paige Kutschall, Lara Lanphier, Gabrielle Luna, Ellen Mallon, Lindsey McGill, Mallory Mehaffey, Robbie Moore, Kristina Mosbo, Paola Murga Parada, Lucinda Rohrer, Dawn Scannell, Kathleen Tidwell Part-Time Academy Instructors & Teaching Artists Angelica Cerenio, Valerie Handy, Lara Hannaford, Jamela Johns, Chloe Normand, Zoe Peterson, Minely Soto, Katherine Wicks Part-Time Academy Class Monitors Pam Blangy, Jacquelyne Boe, Brittany Deveau, Michelle Gregovic, Aaron Harting, Nadia Khan, Patricia King, Katrina Olson, Lisa Petrozzi, Hilary Schaff, Jennifer Trimmer Wellness Team Kelsey Fyffe Academy Counselor Emily Hahn Academy Nutritionist Maria McCain Resident Dorm Supervisor Tai John Part-Time Dorm Chaperone Amy Pearl Resident Advisor Andrew Faulk, Nathanial Nakadate*, Peter Nguyen, Judy Spong 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

MUSIC †Ermanno Florio* Music Director Richard Reeves* Orchestra Manager/Music Administrator HOUSTON BALLET

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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– Mr. Gary V. Beauchamp – 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 Bean 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 Mrs. Sharon F. Erskine Mrs. Allison L. Flikerski Richard W. Flowers Hon. Charles C. Foster Mrs. Kate Fowler Mrs. Jo Furr 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 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 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

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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 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.

HOUSTON BALLET

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ÉTOILE

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 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.

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HOUSTON BALLET

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.

ÉTOILE

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.

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 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; 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.

HOUSTON BALLET

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ÉTOILE

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.

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.

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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HOUSTON BALLET

ÉTOILE

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 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 highcaliber, exhilarating performances and educational programming to audiences of all ages.

Directors Circle $50,000-$99,999

John and Suzanne Fain Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff Bobbie Nau Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze 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 Mr. and Mrs. David L. Hatcher

Dr. Michael Hawkins and Dr. Liliana Soltero Marsha L. Montemayor S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Cabrina and Steven Owsley Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Joseph Saks Fifth Avenue/Chopard Stephen and Kelley Lubanko The Friedkin Group/Marc and Brenda Watts Kris and Richard McGee Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Zdeblick Marvin and Martha McMurrey

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 Susan Lapin Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loveland Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. May, Jr. Ms. Nancy Powell Moore

James Nelson and Richard Lapin Elisa and Cris Pye Macey & Harry Reasoner Alicia and Lance Smith Karl and Ann Stern 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. Tripp Carter Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Myles and Leslie Culhane Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Marsha and Sam Dodson Bruce and Pamela Earthman Twana and Kelly Faykus Myrna Fisch Allison and Adam Flikerski Mitchell B. George and Stanley Curtis, Jr. 34

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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

Mr. Dee S. Osborne Sara and James Parr Kevin S. Potter Mrs. Lila Rauch Ms. Samira A. Salman Mr. Kent A. Schaffer and Ms. Shara Kuy Max Seewann and Sheel Patel Helen and Jim Shaffer 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 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 Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Klaveness D. M. Marcinek Ginni and Richard Mithoff Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Plaeger II Fay and George A. Rizzo Dow and Meredith Zabolio 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 Holly and Austin Alvis Mr. and Mrs. Cecil H. Arnim III Maida and Paul Asofsky Anne Morgan Barrett Mr. Duane Bennett Muffet Blake Amanda and Terry Boffone Nancy Boruta Anne Orton Boss Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bourne Katie-Pat and John Bowman Bridge Development Partners, LLC Mr. and Mrs. David A. Bristol, Jr. Lindsey Brown Judy Gray Brunk Carol Butler Jess and Patricia Carnes Beth and Michael Chambers Nada Chandler Mr. Robert Chanon Pierre and Keiko Chevray 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 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 Danielle Ellis Angie Lane and Nick Eoff Sharon F. Erskine 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 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 Gillian Hobson Gary Hollingsworth and Ken Hyde Lonnie Hoogeboom and Betsy Strauch Mrs. James E. Hooks Debbie and Frank Jones Mrs. Neale W. Kempner John Atterbury Kendall Ms. Ann Koster Mrs. Warren W. Kreft Mrs. Jennifer Kushner Stephanie Larsen and Bryn Kristen Larsen Amy LeBlanc Ms. Tracy N. LeRoy 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 Kathleen Moore and Steven Homer Brad and Lauren Morgan Tammy & 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 Dr. David W. Reininger and Laura Lee Jones Sharon Roark Joseph Henry Rose The Sartain and Tamez Family Trust Bob Scott and Susan Bickley Sarah and Tom Scott Susan and Ed Septimus Michael B. Smith Frances and Chris Stacy James Stafford and Deborah Keyser Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stibolt Summit Dental CenterDr. Essa A. Kawaja Dr. Jeff and Erin Thompson Diana C. Treviño Paul and Sherry Vaughan Bonnie Weekley Stanton Welch AM Mrs. Sara E. White Susan Whitfield 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 Katherine Brooker Sara Carbo, River Oaks Dance Rebecca Childs Claudia Espinosa Victoria Gutierrez Lindsey Hurst Shannon Lindamood

Shane A. Miller David Moyer II R. Trevor Myers Jason Presley Elizabeth Price Melissa Reihle Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ritchie Kristiann Rushton Ashley and Richard Tagle Alexandra Yates BRAVO $2,000-$3,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George J. Abdo Lauren and Mark Bahorich Michelle and Lorne Bain Mr. and Mrs. Paul Balmert Stephen and Linda Bickel Ingrid Osborn Bond In Remembrance of Howard King Bostock Ms. Michaela Botha Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brookner Mr. and Mrs. R. Lawrence Brown III Reagan and Claudia Burch Dr. and Mrs. Raul Caffesse In Memory of Ramon Creixell Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Denham Cynthia A. Diller Mrs. Jenny Elkins Mrs. Elaine Finger Ms. Leslie Gassner Lisa Gray 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 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 Mrs. Barbara L. Sanford 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 Lauren Walstad Hardy Betsy Winn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wright ENCORE $1,000-$1,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Mrs. Elaine Adams Norah G. Adams Ms. Cecilia Aguilar Joan and Stanford Alexander Jonni and Skip Almoney Leslie Alston Kenneth Anderson and Jean-Marie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Aronson Laura and Tom Bacon Anthony and Gina Bahr Kristina Baizan Devereux Mrs. Greta Bandy

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Banks Monica and Scott Barker Stephen Barnes, MD, JD and Amy Barnes Deborah Bautch Victor and Anna Mae Beghini Fund Drs. Robert and Nancy Benjamin Elise Bentch Ed A. and Valerie Blair Tessa Bodnar Mona Bostwick Ms. Barbara Brooks Cecilia and David Campbell Marilyn Caplovitz 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 Mr. Wayne Clark Judy and Art Coen Alice and Michael Conlon Drs. Steven Craig and Janet Kohlhase 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 EagleLight Consulting The Escalona Family Suzi Feickert Mr. Robert Feldman 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 Karen R. and Franklin J. Harberg, Jr. Ms. Jacquelyn Harrison Mr. Robert Heyl Sharon and James Hibbert Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Ross K. Hill 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 Sandra and Richard Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Justin Jarski Jill and Dunham Jewett Ms. Emily Kao Ara Karian Ms. Jody Kelley Ann and Tom Kelsey 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

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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 Ms. Patricia McMahon Bill and Judy McNamee Katie and Kurt Meissner Christianne Melanson and Durwin Sharp Colonel Michael Mergens and Mrs. Mergens Julie Miles David and Mary Montague Mrs. Eileen Moore Ms. Desrye Morgan Paula and Geoff Newton Mrs. Kim T. Nguyen Mrs. Jo Papadakis Carolyn W. Payne Richard A. and Thelma A. Percoco Performance Solar Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Ray Wanda A. Reynolds

Ms. Diana Riggle Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. Rigo Elena Lexina and Brian Rishikof 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. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Simmons 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 Dr. Deborah A. 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 & Bill Samelson Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski 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 September 10, 2021. 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.

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 Wells Fargo

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HOUSTON BALLET

$50,000-$99,999 Bank of America Beauchamp Foundation Chevron The Freebird Foundation Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Humphreys Foundation KPMG The Powell Foundation Shell Oil Company Vivian L. Smith Foundation Texas Children’s Hospital – Pavilion for Women $25,000-$49,999 Baker Botts L.L.P. BB&T now Truist Bank City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc. The Fondren Foundation H-E-B M. D. Anderson Foundation Nan & Company Properties Norton Rose Fulbright Rand Group The Sarofim Foundation

$10,000-$24,999 Entertainment Industry Foundation 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 National Endowment for the Arts Saks Fifth Avenue The William A. & Madeline Smith Foundation Sterling-Turner Foundation The Vaughn Foundation Vinson & Elkins LLP $2,500-$9,999 Freed of London The Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation Strake Foundation $1,000-$2,499 Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated The Oshman Foundation Scurlock Foundation

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 Margaret Wiess Elkins Young Artist Fund trains talented, young people for careers in dance.

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

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 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.

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

With deep gratitude, we salute the following donors for their contribution to the Endowment Fund:

$5,000,000 OR MORE The Brown Foundation, Inc. Estate of Frederic Adrian Lee $3,000,000-$4,999,999 Estate of Mr. George W. Ernst Jr. The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $1,000,000-$2,999,999 The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Houston Endowment Inc. Estate of Harry Masterson $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/AIGVALIC Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Arnold, Jr. Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation Estate of Audrey Jones Beck †Suzanne S. Braden Mrs. Laurie Champion The Cockrell Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Coneway †Mr. James A. Elkins, Jr. The Elkins Foundation The Fondren Foundation †Mr. and Mrs. William J. Gillingham William Randolph Hearst Foundation Mr. William James Hill Barbara and Gerald D. Hines

Hobby Family Foundation Houston Ballet Guild Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long Mary Ralph Lowe †Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III †Mr. and Mrs. George P. Mitchell Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy S. O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Parker Scurlock Foundation Tarrant Hancock Trust

†in memoriam HOUSTON BALLET

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LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

Create a lasting impact on Houston Ballet by including us in your will or as a beneficiary on your retirement plan.

Your gift to Houston Ballet will provide future support to ensure our commitment to excellence and sustain the highest caliber dance performances. Your important investment will give future generations of Houstonians the gift of dance.

For more information, contact Megan Raines, Director of Individual Giving, at 713.535.3241 or mraines@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 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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Jim Nelson, Jesse (Jay) H. Jones II, Lynn Wyatt, Stanton Welch AM

Mark and Jamie Loveland

Harper Watters, Kristy Bradshaw, Kelley Lubanko, Jessica Collado

Margaret Alkek Williams and Stanton Welch AM

From Special Events to Soirée

A behind-the-curtain look at the whirlwind stage transformation from live performance to elegant dinner

By Alexandra Yates

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HOUSTON BALLET

view provided by this singular evening.

What’s even more special is the magic that happens behind the scenes between the performance and dinner.

Each year on opening night, postperformance, the stage is transformed into a stunning seated dinner for 200 guests in less than 30 minutes by awardwinning caterer, Jackson & Company.

Via dramatic curtain reveal, the gasps from the audience are inspiring. What’s happening backstage is a true scene change.

“While Onstage Dinner guests are in the audience listening to brief remarks, what’s happening backstage to get the dinner set is orchestrated carefully, quietly and precisely. The challenge of moving swiftly without making a sound in such a short time frame has become an art we aim to perfect year over year,” says Milton Townsend, Jackson &

Company.

Jackson & Company took on the dinner beginning in 2015 and worked closely with Houston Ballet Production and Special Events teams to elevate the one-of-a-kind dining experience. Behindthe-scenes, twenty tables are pristinely set with 400 delicate glasses, the finest dinnerware and nearly 100 hand lit candles to set the stage all with no detail left unturned.

“The setup backstage and swift movement of all those who make it possible can only be described as a production of its own. When the curtain begins to rise, you feel the same ‘it’s showtime!’ reaction,” says Townsend.

Houston Ballet is thrilled to reintroduce this beloved signature event on Thursday, September 30, under the leadership of Jamie and Mark Loveland as 2021 Onstage Dinner Chairs.

Photos by Wilson Parish

EXCITEMENT MOUNTS AS A RETURN to in-person events launches for Houston Ballet. The past year left dresses unworn, dinners unattended, and also critical funds unraised for many organizations. Houston Ballet was fortunate to have the dedicated support of its patrons during a difficult period.

During a time when ballet lovers would normally be mixing and mingling, virtual events took center stage.

“While having virtual options were unique and exciting at first, we’re ready to see the real artistry onstage once again,” says Martha Rocks McMurrey, Houston Ballet Trustee and former Onstage Dinner Co-Chair.

Houston Ballet’s Onstage Dinner is best experienced live and in-person.

The rare opportunity to dine with dancers onstage while looking out into an empty audience is an unmatched

“When the curtain begins to rise, you feel the same ‘it’s showtime!’ reaction.”

- Milton Townsend, Jackson & Company

Thank you to the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance Onstage Dinner supporters!

Onstage Dinner Chairmen Jamie and Mark Loveland Principal Deborah and Edward Koehler* First Soloists Jesse H. Jones II*/Leigh and Reggie Smith*/ Phoebe and Bobby Tudor*

Scan the QR code to watch the stage transform into an elegant soirée!

Soloists ConocoPhillips Jamie and Mark Loveland* Kent A. Schaffer and Shara Kuy

Stephanie and Frank Tsuru* Hallie Vanderhider* Margaret Alkek Williams*

Demi Soloists Ann C. Bean*/ Susan and Gary Binney* Anne and Albert Chao*

Akemi and Yasuhiko Saitoh* Jessica Trincanello and Jeremy Griggs*

Corps de Ballet Melza and Ted Barr* Rosanette S. Cullen* Sasha Davis and Joseph Matulevich* Sharon Erskine* Richard Flowers and Angel Rios* Jo and Jim Furr* Ludmila Golovine* Leticia Loya* Jean and Henry May* Martha and Marvin McMurrey* Ginni and Richard Mithoff Marsha Montemayor

Jo and Jim Furr, Martha and Marvin McMurrey

Cabrina and Steven Owsley* Carroll and Hugh Ray Macey and Harry Reasoner Susan and Ed Septimus Michael B. Smith* Marguerite M. Swartz Truist Financial/ Bill and Courtney Toomey* Ellen Van London Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Victor Costa* Lynn Wyatt*

Apprentices Marsha and Michael Bourque Katherine Brooker Keiko and Pierre Chevray C.C. Conner* Jane DiPaolo* Mitchell B. George and Stanley Curtis, Jr.* Dorothy Kreft Kelley and Stephen Lubanko*

Shane A. Miller Beth Muecke* Sharon Roark* Christina Sofka* Liliana Soltero and Michael Hawkins* S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan* Ileana and Michael Treviño*

Gifts and Dancer Sponsors Friend of Houston Ballet Eddie and Chinhui Allen Kristy and Chris Bradshaw* Sara Paschall Dodd* Dorothy Kreft Eugene F. Loveland

James Nelson and Richard Lapin* Isla and T.R. Reckling Ann Trammell* Betty and Jesse Tutor* Kelli and John Weinzierl* The Wolens Family*

*Host Committee Houston Ballet also thanks those who made a commitment after September 1, 2021

OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER

OFFICIAL PRINT MEDIA PARTNER

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL SEASON SPONSOR OF HOUSTON BALLET

HOUSTON BALLET Jim Jordan, Shawn Stephens, Allison and Troy Thacker

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In the Wings Bring the family back to the theater to share the joy of Clara’s magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets this holiday season! From snowflakes to sword fights to a Christmas tree that touches the sky, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker is a positively joyous treat for ballet lovers of all ages! This holiday classic is full of magic and wonder with a myriad of exquisite details that will leave you discovering something new in every performance. ‘Tis the season to celebrate the return of our ultimate holiday tradition!

Houston Ballet will present the The Nutcracker November 26 - December 24, 2021 at the Wortham Theater Center.

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

Principal Melody Mennite and Ballet Master Ian Casady. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

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HOUSTON BALLET

SHARE THE JOY OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

Leading Orthopedic Care to

KEEP THE BALLET MOVING 713.790.3333 | houstonmethodist.org 19 convenient locations

Principal Melody Mennite and Ballet Master Ian Casady. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we are experts in helping the body do what it was designed to do — stay in motion. As trusted doctors for Houston Ballet, we keep the dancers performing in the spotlight. And, by finding innovative ways to treat their injuries, we’re better able to treat yours. Whether you’re getting back on the stage or back to work, we use the latest technology and advanced therapies to get you back on your feet — and keep you moving.

Support the joy of dance and the return to live performances. As we restore our world-class company and treasured audience, we need your help. Donate now and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar

by The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts!

Scan to ensure the joy of live performances continues!

HoustonBallet

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 1

Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance

VOL. 4, ISSUE 1 2021