Houston Ballet Vol 4 Issue 2 The Nutcracker

HoustonBallet

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 2

The Nutcracker

VOL. 4, ISSUE 2 2021

Music & SHARE THE Movement JOY OF LIVE

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Pretty Things | Jewels | Originals

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The Nutcracker

November 26 - December 24, 2021

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Jewels

February 24 - March 6, 2022

Madame Butterry March 10 - 20, 2022

Academy Spring Showcase April 29 - 30, 2022

May 20 - 29, 2022

Originals June 2 - 12, 2022

Sylvia

June 16 - 26, 2022

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Principal Melody Mennite and Former Principal Simon Ball with Artists of Houston Ballet in Emeralds.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

Pretty Things

Principal Soo Youn Cho and Soloist Harper Watters. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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Music & Movement

Gift the gift of music & movement this holiday season with the perfect mini package subscription for music lovers of all genres!

Pretty Things | Jewels | Originals

3 ballets start at just $75!

YO U ’ R E I N V I T E D !

Delve into the glamour of Jewels at the 2022 Houston Ballet Ball – inspired by the emeralds, rubies, and diamonds of George Balanchine’s dazzling threeact ballet. Critical funds raised support Houston Ballet’s return to the stage and live performances.

Stephanie & Frank Tsuru and Kelli & John Weinzierl Ball Co-Chairs

Saturday, February 19, 2022 Wortham Theater Center 7:00 p.m. | Black Tie Entertainment by Gen 8, presented by Elan Artists

houstonballet.org/balletball For table and ticket reservations or questions, please contact: Baylee Zeringue at bzeringue@houstonballet.org or 713.535.3230

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Save the Date!

Lilly & Harrison Cullen and Amy & Jordan Pincu Co-Chairs

The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation and Houston Ballet Education and Community Engagement programming Honorees

Sunday, April 24, 2022 Georgia James | 3503 West Dallas (NEW LOCATION) 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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Tables: $10,000, $5,000, and $3,500 | Individual Tickets: $375 and $350

houstonballet.org/raisingthebarre To make a reservation or for more information, please contact: Baylee Zeringue at bzeringue@houstonballet.org or 713.535.3230

OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL PRINT AND DIGITAL MEDIA PARTNER

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OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER

OFFICIAL SEASON SPONSOR OF HOUSTON BALLET

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THE NUTCRACKER

CONTENTS

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FIRST POSITION The secret behind The Nutcracker’s score; a conversation with the Chaos; an in-depth look at Waltz of the Flowers costumes; training with Houston Methodist; and find out which Nutcracker character you’re most like

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE NUTCRACKER A detailed journey through the classic story of The Nutcracker

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THE NUTCRACKER The artists behind Stanton Welch’s holiday masterpiece as well as a storybook synopsis by D.L. Groover

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HOUSTON BALLET’S GIFT GUIDE

Principal Karina González. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

Looking for the perfect gift?

Houston Ballet’s got you covered on ways to share the joy this season

IN THIS ISSUE 10 Welcome Letter 33 Company Profiles 38 Corporate Spotlight 41 Annual Supporters 50 In the Wings HOUSTON BALLET

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

PUBLISHED BY Houston Ballet

Welcome

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

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 2

See you in the theater, VOL. 4, ISSUE 2 2021

HOUSTON BALLET

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Angela Lee

The Nutcracker

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three women on a quest to find eternal love, set to a powerful score by Léo Delibes. Also returning, Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly tells the tragic story of unrequited love that is sure to spark conversations and stir emotions in both the artists and audience members.

Additionally, the artists of Houston Ballet will showcase their diverse talent in a mix of one-act ballets. Originally set to premiere in March 2020, Trey McIntyre’s Pretty Things finally takes the stage in the program of the same name alongside Christopher Bruce’s Hush and Jorma Elo’s ONE/end/ONE. Following in June, Originals showcases the return of Stanton’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and a world premiere from Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Melody Mennite.

The incredible support Houston Ballet has received following its long absence from the stage has been overwhelming. Without your continued generosity, this season and the ones to follow would not be possible. We are overjoyed to be performing for you in person once again.

HoustonBallet

Dear Houston Ballet friends, Welcome back to the theater for another magical season of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker! This holiday performance continues to be an annual favorite in the Houston Ballet repertoire, and I’m so glad you’ve decided to join us this year.

The Nutcracker has been a long-standing tradition for Houston Ballet, with Stanton Welch introducing his decadent version of the show in 2016. From an elegant party to a lively battle to the Kingdom of Sweets, The Nutcracker tells a timeless story that has delighted audiences for decades. Whether you’re a Houston Ballet regular or a first-time attendee, this production will captivate you through a wide array of vibrant scenes and endearing characters.

Although The Nutcracker marks the final performances of 2021, Houston Ballet’s season is far from over. We continue this spring with a full season of shows starting with George Balanchine’s Jewels in February, a full-length ballet unlike any other with distinctive choreography and glittering costumes. Two more full-length ballets top off the 2021-22 season. Inspired by GrecoRoman mythology, Stanton Welch’s original ballet Sylvia returns to the Wortham stage.

Generously underwritten by longtime Houston Ballet Trustee Phoebe Tudor and her husband Bobby, Sylvia tells the tale of

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Angela Lane

LEIGH SMITH Houston Ballet Board President Houston Ballet Board President Leigh Smith. Photo by Gittings

ON THE COVER Demi Soloist Elivelton Tomazi.

Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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FIRST

POSITION

Music Director Ermanno Florio with the Houston Ballet Orchestra.

Photo by Christian Brown

SPOTLIGHT p. 14

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ANATOMY OF A SCENE p. 15

A Score for the Ages The secret behind the enduring popularity of The Nutcracker’s music

By Jasmine Fuller

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EN POINTE p. 16

EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON, tunes from The Nutcracker start to seep into everyday life, but despite the deluge of Nutcracker ditties sneaking into the library of unconscious humming, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s glorious melodies never seem to lose their magic for audiences.

Surprisingly, when the ballet premiered in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, it was met with dismal reviews.

It wasn’t until 42 years later that it was

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UPLIFT p. 17

first performed in its entirety outside of St. Petersburg in London, and in the 1960s, it caught steam as a North American holiday classic thanks to the Father of American Ballet, George Balanchine.

Although the ballet took time to gain popularity, audiences have always been enchanted by the music. Six months before the ballet premiered, Tchaikovsky debuted a concert suite of selections HOUSTON BALLET

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FIRST POSITION from The Nutcracker ballet. The 20-minute suite included some of the ballet’s most well-known themes like March of the Toy Soldiers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Following the performance, the audience called for encores of almost every selection and hauled the composer onstage for a bow.

The adoration and timelessness of the score can be attributed to the abundance of rich melodies from start to finish.

“Tchaikovsky was a genius at creating these glorious melodies,” Houston Ballet Music Director Ermanno Florio says.

“He’s able to create these unbelievable melodies out of the basic building blocks of music.”

A prime example of Tchaikovsky’s excellent craftmanship can be heard in the second act’s grand pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. At the start, audiences hear the heavenly plucking of the harp accompanying the dancers slowly filing onstage, but the ingenious melody comes a few bars later played by the rich, warm tones of the cello section.

The robust line is a simple descending

G major scale, a fundamental for all musicians.

The instruments that play these famous melodies are also an important factor in the expressiveness of the music and its ability to tell the story. “The orchestration is what I think gives this ballet such an original and varied character that appeals to the audience,” Florio explains.

Combinations of instruments are used to evoke different characters throughout the piece, but the use of the celesta takes the cake as its glittery bell sounds evoke the ethereal Kingdom of Sweets as the gates are being lifted at the top of the second act. Tchaikovsky first heard the dreamy keyboard instrument in Paris and promptly requested his publishers secretively order one for use in The Nutcracker.

“The reason why it’s called a celesta is because it sounds like heaven,” Principal Pianist Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon explains. “It sounds mysterious and ethereal, so he thought that would be the perfect sound for this unique kingdom.”

CELESTIAL SOUNDS The celesta (pronounced suh-les-ta, chuh-les-ta, or chuh-lest) is a small keyboard instrument with hammers that strike steel plates, producing a bell-like tone. Notably heard in Act II of The Nutcracker and Harry Potter theme.

More famously, the delicate sounds of the celesta, which was generously underwritten by longtime patron Martha Rocks McMurrey, can be heard in Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, yet another nod to the characterization of the Kingdom of Sweets. And although Burkwall-Ciscon has been playing the runs for over 30 years, the music can still pose challenges for The Nutcracker veteran.

“What’s nerve-wracking is that everybody knows it, so you cannot miss a note,” Burkwall-Ciscon says. “And you can’t cover up the mistake because even the littlest child is going to say ‘Mommy, that doesn’t sound right.’”

But whether you’re listening to the familiar melodies, orchestral colors or you’re experiencing a live orchestra for the first time, Music Director Florio offers a piece of advice: “Just sit back and let the music carry you away.”

SPOTLIGHT

Anne and Albert Chao

Newly minted Maurice Hirsch Award for Philanthropy recipients talk Nutcracker, tradition, and supporting the arts.

On The Nutcracker as a holiday tradition: The holidays are a special time that family can come together and celebrate in a happy and festive manner, and The Nutcracker captures that warm and celebratory feeling with something for the whole family. It’s a merger of beauty, artistry, and athletic ability.

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Albert and Anne Chao. Photo by Wilson Parish

On supporting The Nutcracker and new productions: We believe that change is good, and Stanton Welch is so creative and produces wonderful things. That’s why it was important for us to provide support for his Nutcracker early on and underwrite the growing Christmas tree. And the limits of dance and choreography are being pushed everyday – it’s important that our productions grow with the artists.

On supporting the arts and sharing the joy of live performance: We have all been beneficiaries of others’ wonderful philanthropy. Federal money can only do so much to enhance the cultural life of any community – there’s just so much to do and so little resources. We must support the beauty and cultural richness of our community, especially for the performing arts. Live performance is just rare; it has a certain synergy between performers and the audience that cannot be replicated on Zoom. We must keep that alive because it’s what makes life so much more beautiful.

FIRST POSITION A FORMAL AFFAIR Perhaps the most unique part of this costume is the traditional powdered wig. According to Fox, “those wigs are harkening to a time period…they’re really making them stand out as more of a formal character.” Each wig takes approximately six hours to style; the synthetic hairs have enough structure to hold their styling, while still appearing to move naturally with the dancers’ motions.

ANATOMY OF A SCENE

In Full Bloom

A closer look at the formal dress code for the Waltz of the Flowers ball

By Kate Wood

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

STRUCTURED SKIRTS This puffy tutu boasts six separate layers. First, a stiff netting forms the base layer to give the skirt structure. This base layer is topped with 3 layers of tulle, then another layer of netting. The final layer is organza, which Fox says makes the skirt look “fluffy and dreamy,” perfect for an elegant waltz.

IN A TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER, the Waltz of the Flowers features dancers dressed in rosy hues portraying flowers themselves. Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, however, has a very different take on the scene. A formal flower court accompanies the lead performers in attending an elegant ball as people of the period, complete with powdered wigs and lace cuffs.

Head of Costumes Sandra Fox reveals that creating these periodinspired costumes is no small task.

FINISHING TOUCHES Embroidered rhinestoned gloves add dimension to each dancer’s costume. “Anytime you have the gloves – in particular, gloves that come down in a V-shape – it’s creating a definitive shape on the hand. It’s elongating that line; it’s a little bit of an illusion you’re creating,” Fox explains.

Each costume takes around 80 hours to create and is full of intricate details. “The thing that makes the costume truly successful onstage is texture,” Fox explains. To create texture, delicate rhinestoned gloves and lace arm cuffs have been added to each costume. Close up, these additions may seem minute, but Fox explains that they give the costume dimension under a bright spotlight in an expansive theater. “Anytime we put rhinestones on the costumes, it draws your eye to them,” says Fox. “It makes them a little ethereal.”

A GENTLE BREEZE Each dress is covered in vibrant, multicolored petals from deconstructed faux flowers. “Truly the magic of it is that the flowers look blown on,” Fox says. “You can almost see the movement of the breeze on the skirt.” While some contain a handful of complete flowers, the majority of the costumes are covered only in petals to achieve this natural, windblown effect.

While the rhinestones add a little sparkle to the costume, Fox believes the real magic of the scene comes from the petals on each skirt, bodice, and wig. “The notion behind these costumes is that there’s a ball taking place and wind has blown flowers on them, and they’ve gotten caught on the costumes,” Fox explains.

Because of this unique concept for the scene, Fox believes Houston Ballet’s Waltz of the Flowers costumes are unlike any others: “It’s based on a period look more than a fantasy flower.”

HOUSTON BALLET

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FIRST POSITION

3 SIGNS TO REPLACE YOUR MASK Here are some signs your mask may need replacing.

Inquire with an usher to receive a free Nutcracker themed mask from Houston Methodist!

Stronger Than Ever EN POINTE

Head Athletic Trainer Carina Nasrallah talks pandemic protocol as rehearsals resume

HAVE MISCHEVIOUS MICE CHEWED HOLES IN YOUR MASK? Replace torn masks as soon as possible!

CAN YOU FEEL ICY SNOW FLURRIES THROUGH YOUR MASK? Double layered masks help keep out the cold.

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HOUSTON BALLET

How has training for the dancers changed from before the pandemic to now?

When they couldn’t be in the studios during the pandemic, the dancers found alternative ways to stay active. It was neat to see them pick up hobbies like rock climbing, golfing, hiking, and backpacking.

Some of those activities did bring new types of soreness and pain that we had to work through only because they were using their bodies differently. As far as technique, even after a prolonged layoff, most of them found that within the first month or two, it came back – after being sore for the first few weeks of course!

It has been two years since the dancers have performed in a marathon run of The Nutcracker.

What measures are being taken to prevent injuries?

We encourage the dancers to focus on their cross-training and individual injury prevention programs in the weeks and months leading up to The Nutcracker, so they are strong and conditioned for the show’s opening. Once performances begin, they decrease cross-training activities to focus on rest and recovery between shows, which are just as crucial for injury prevention.

Since their return to the studios, dancers have been wearing face masks while rehearsing. Have their bodies adapted to this change?

Yes, conditioning needs to happen for dancers wearing face masks during class and rehearsals since it will feel like their ability to breathe is inhibited. Leading up to starting classes again, we advised dancers to begin wearing a mask while cross-training or taking a class at home. The dancers then transitioned to performing without masks and discovered they had developed a habit of breathing through their mouths. We then worked with them on how to be mindful of their facial expressions while also breathing efficiently.

Head Athletic Trainer Carina Nasrallah and Principal Jessica Collado.

Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

CAN YOU SMELL THE SUGARY TREATS IN THE KINGDOM OF SWEETS? A mask that fits snugly over the bridge of your nose should do the trick!

The dancers have gone from a prolonged layoff due to the pandemic to ramped-up rehearsal schedules.

How has that transition been for them?

We’ve seen a trend of old chronic injuries, ones that dancers had even before the pandemic, returning.

The transition has also been challenging for some of the male dancers. We encouraged them to do cross-training and weightlifting during the layoff, but there’s something unique about partnering that’s hard to replicate in a gym.

Lastly, just building stamina as the dancers work back up to dancing six hours a day.

FIRST POSITION

Casting Call UPLIFT

Which character in The Nutcracker are you most like? Take this quiz to find out!

1. It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re going to a gala at a grand mansion. Where can you be found having fun at the party?

A. B. C. D. E.

Waltzing the night away on the dance floor Pulling funny pranks on anyone who falls into your trap Making polite conversation with all the guests Entertaining guests with stories and magic tricks Impressing the cutest guest with heroic acts

2. Congratulations! You just won a free trip to any destination of your choosing. Where are you going?

A. Disney World – you’re dying to ride the rollercoasters and meet all your favorite movie characters B. New York City, so you can learn from the professional tricksters in Times Square C. Milan, the fashion capitol of the world known for its glamour and beauty D. England – you want to visit haunting attractions like Stonehenge and the Tower of London E. Paris, the city of love; you want to discover the most romantic ways to impress your crush 3. You walk into a confectioner’s shop filled with every sweet imaginable! Which do you choose?

A. B. C. D. E.

A classic candy cane to remind you of the holiday season Pop Rocks; you can’t wait to trick people into eating them A strawberry cupcake with pink frosting and sprinkles Chocolate covered coffee beans; rich, sweet, and smooth A gingerbread cookie decorated to look like a toy soldier

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY A’S...

4. One day while you’re out Christmas shopping, you see a classmate being teased by a bully. How do you help them?

A. B. C. D. E.

Defend your friend, though you’re smaller than the bully Run away from the bully. You don’t want to be next!

Find a teacher to intervene and stop the bullying Quietly tell the bully that you’ll turn him into a rat!

Step in front of the bully and make him run away

5. You look outside your window and see a blanket of snow piling up in your front yard! What do you do?

A. B. C. D. E.

Run outside to make snow angels with your friends Lie in wait to throw snowballs at unsuspecting passersby Bundle up, then walk outside and watch the flurries fall Cast a spell on a snowman, bringing him to life Moderate a snowball fight; everyone has to play fair

6. You wake up on Christmas morning after having a vivid and magical dream. What do you do?

A. Jump out of bed to spend time with your family, telling them all about the wonderful dream you just had B. Tell anyone and everyone about your dream, embellishing a little more each time C. Fondly remember the adventures of the dream and keep them to yourself as a Christmas memory D. Add the story of the dream to your repertoire and tell it for years to come E. Reveal all the details of your dream to your significant other and swear them to secrecy

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY B’S...

Principal Melody Mennite as Clara. Principal Karina González as Sugar Plum Fairy. Former Principal Ian Casady as Drosselmeyer. Artists of Houston Ballet. Photos by Amitava Sarkar

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY E’S...

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY C’S...

IF YOU GOT MOSTLY D’S...

CLARA

SUGAR PLUM

NUTCRACKER

You’re just like our heroine, Clara! Brave and kind, you always find the life of the party and make sure all your friends are having a good time. You have a taste for adventure and aren’t afraid of a challenge, even when you’re the underdog.

Your lively spirit spreads Christmas joy to everyone you meet!

Poised and regal – all hail the Sugar Plum Fairy!

You’re the belle of the ball, generous to everybody around you. You think before you speak and do everything with purpose. People admire you for your grace and love being around you!

You’re the courageous Nutcracker Prince! You are fiercely loyal and protective of those you love. You sometimes have a flair for the dramatic, especially when you’re trying to impress someone who has caught your eye!

Your friends love that they can always count on you for a helping hand or sage advice.

RAT KING Troublemakers unite – you’re the Rat King!

You’re cunning and mischievous, keeping everyone on their toes.

You don’t take life too seriously and keep your friends laughing with your innocent antics and jokes.

DROSSELMEYER Your penchant for mystery and intrigue makes you the most like Drosselmeyer! You can entertain anyone who crosses your path with a thrilling story or a trick they’ve never seen before. While you may be mysterious to some, those close to you admire your dedication and drive.

HOUSTON BALLET

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO

The Nutcracker

By Jasmine Fuller and Kate Wood

STANTON WELCH’S THE NUTCRACKER takes audiences on a magical journey each holiday season. With a Christmas Tree that grows to the sky, an epic battle between toy soldiers and rats, flittering flurries, and the Kingdom of Sweets, the elaborate story following Clara 18

HOUSTON BALLET

on her whimsical journey gives audiences something new to discover with each scene. So, whether you’re brand new to The Nutcracker or simply just need a refresher, this guide provides a crash course on the opulent holiday hit.

Principal Melody Mennite. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

A crash course on Stanton Welch’s opulent holiday hit

FIRST POSITION

BEGINNER’S GUIDE MRS. STAHLBAUM

THE NUTCRACKER OPENS on a snowy Christmas Eve in Germany. The Stahlbaum family – Dr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum, eldest Louise, feisty Fritz, fearless Clara, and doggy Heinz – prepare for a grand party in their home with their closest family and friends.

CLARA DR. STAHLBAUM

FRITZ

LOUISE

As guests arrive, young Clara is filled with excitement. She greets the guests and dances through the party until suddenly Europe’s Mystery Magic Man, Drosselmeyer, enters. The party falls quiet, and Clara and the partygoers watch with wonder as Drosselmeyer wheels in his Magic Caravan.

DROSSELMEYER

HEINZ

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to Drosselmeyer’s Magic Caravan. The enchanted dolls tell the tale of Sugar Plum, the Good Prince, and the Evil King. The story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving Clara with a gift of the Nutcracker doll and bated breath for what happens next. But not to worry, the tale continues...

SUGAR PLUM DOLL Sugar Plum, in love with the Good Prince, grieves over his fate.

EVIL KING DOLL The Princess’ enchanted tears turn the Evil King into a Rat King.

Former Principal Ian Casady as Drosselmeyer. Soloist Tyler Donatelli as Sugar Plum Doll.

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photos by Amitava Sarkar Heinz the Dog. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

GOOD PRINCE DOLL The Good Prince and the Evil King love Sugar Plum. The jealous Evil King turns the Good Prince into a Nutcracker doll.

HOUSTON BALLET

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE NUTCRACKER

Projections by Wendall K. Harrington lend a helping hand in creating the magical growing Christmas tree.

RAT KING

AFTER THE PARTY ENDS AND all go to sleep, Clara sneaks downstairs to retrieve her Nutcracker doll.

Little does she know; mystical happenings abound as Drosselmeyer appears. He places Clara’s Nutcracker doll under the Christmas tree, casts a spell, and they both watch in awe as the tree and everything under it – including wretched rats – grow to the heavens. Continuing the story from Drosselmeyer’s Magic Caravan, the growing tree reveals an epic battle between the Rat King and the Nutcracker. As the Rat King’s army corners the Nutcracker, Clara courageously steps in to snatch the Rat King’s crown, ending his reign, and sends him away.

AT THE TOP OF ACT II, the Rat King sneakily follows Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Nutcracker Prince to the Kingdom of Sweets. The Nutcracker Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy reunite, but the happy reunion is short lived as the Rat King reveals himself and is back with a vengeance.

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HOUSTON BALLET

BEGINNER’S GUIDE SNOW QUEEN NUTCRACKER PRINCE

Demi Soloist Natalie Varnum as Snow Queen. Principal Soo Youn Cho as Sugar Plum Fairy and Soloist Harper Watters as Nutcracker Prince.

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photos by Amitava Sarkar First Soloist Allison Miller as Clara and Soloist Harper Watters as Nutcracker Prince.

Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox

The snow scene uses 575 pounds of paper-made flurries to create the onstage winter wonderland.

Clara’s victory against the Rat King breaks his spell on the Nutcracker and turns him into the brave Nutcracker Prince. Now in hopes to reunite the Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara, the Prince, and Drosselmeyer journey into the cold. On their trek, they come upon the Snow Queen and her court who rejoice at the Rat King’s ending reign.

In appreciation, she shows the trio the way to the Sugar Plum Fairy, inside the tree and up to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Clara, brave once again, puts the Rat King in his place. The mystical beings of the Kingdom of Sweets call for the Rat King’s imprisonment, but Clara benevolently teaches the Sweets residents compassion and forgives the Rat King.

Her kindness is rewarded with sweets from around the world, and the Nutcracker Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy live happily ever after.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY

NUTCRACKER PRINCE

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Jewels February 24 - March 6, 2022

Emeralds Rubies Diamonds

Production underwriting by Hallie Vanderhider

houstonballet.org | 713.227.2787 (ARTS) 22

HOUSTON BALLET

SYNOPSIS p. 24

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THE ARTISTS p. 28

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS p. 30

THE NUTCRACKER NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 24, 2021

Corps de Ballet Dancer Fernando Gullans-Martin.. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

“To say that it embodies spectacle is a wild understatement.

It is the most spectacular Nutcracker I know.”

- CULTUREMAP

HOUSTON BALLET

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The

Nutcracker Based on Stanton Welch’s holiday ballet SYNOPSIS BY D.L. GROOVER

This performance lasts approximately two hours.

There will be one intermission lasting twenty-five minutes.

Please see insert for casting and conductor schedule.

Choreography by Stanton Welch AM For Mark Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Costume and Scenic Design by Tim Goodchild Lighting Design by Lisa J. Pinkham Projection Design by Wendall K. Harrington Houston Ballet Orchestra conducted by Ermanno Florio, Richard Bado, and Jonathan McPhee World Premiere: November 25, 2016

by Houston Ballet in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas.

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HOUSTON BALLET

SYNOPSIS

ACT I he night outside the Stahlbaum house on a German Christmas Eve, Blows and blusters, and cracks its cheeks. Yet, inside, warm within her room, Sweet Clara glows with make-believe.

Feisty Fritz with doggy Heinz bounds in to misbehave, But is stopped mid-prank by stern Housemaid, who controls with haughty wave.

“Put away those toys, and wash your hands. Prepare for the party below.”

Beloved toys are whisked away, ears all cleaned, all ready to go.

Oldest Louise, fresh as the spring, the fairest girl of all, Fusses and primps for she firmly intends to be the only belle of the ball.

Mother and father have gifts to bestow: For lovely Louise, a corsage for romance, Pointe shoes for Clara who loves to dance, Tin trumpet for Fritz, that will blurt, and screech, and blow.

What do you think then happens next, no sooner than family leaves?

The toy chest bursts open all by itself, and out tumble toys like sheaves!

For it’s Christmas tomorrow and toys must prepare For greedy small hands who don’t want to share.

The toys will be prodded and dragged on the floor, Squished in love and then squished even more.

Downstairs, the Stahlbaum party guests delight in punch and feast on ox, While Clara dances a solo dance within her Magic Theater Box. The window blows open in icy gust, but when Clara rushes to close it, Who should appear in burst of snow whose frigid swirls expose it?

Upon my snowflake, it’s Drosselmeyer! Europe’s mystery magic man, Here at the party to amaze and bewitch with his very own Magical Caravan.

His ghostly troupe relates the tale of Soldier Brave who loves Princess Fair.

But mean old King, in love himself, turns Soldier to wood with oak-like hair.

But so in love, the princess grieves, whose tears enchantments wring.

They fall upon the weaselly man and just like that – rat á la king.

Sketches by Tim Goodchild

But what’s the ending, Clara cries, for the wizard will not say.

Instead he gives the children gifts, meant for another day.

To Louise, a crown; to Fritz, a sword; To Clara, a Nutcracker she adored.

The little toy is strong and brave, and Clara laughs with glee; But jealous Fritz is not amused and breaks it on his knee.

The conjurer knows just what to do and heals with surgical ease; He puts doll high, high on a shelve. Out of your reach, Fritz, if you please.

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SYNOPSIS

The party’s over, a great success, but Clara sneaks down when all’s asleep.

What does she find at midnight’s strike? A bunch of rats, who gnaw in a heap.

Her toys search high, her toys search low, but the Nutcracker is out of sight.

Clara knows just where he is, but is stumped on her high-climb flight.

Out of the clock, magician appears and puts Soldier under the tree.

With mighty flourish he casts his spell, and wonders of magic explode to see.

Wow-filled eyes have never seen such marvels befall such evergreen.

The tree grew and grew, and grew with a roar, then burst through the roof and grew some more.

The house did shake, roof flew apart; but still tree grew, no end to its start.

It pierced the clouds and grazed the moon. Slow down, old tree, are you a balloon?!

The magic was strong, the magic worked well; not only did tree and toys grow pell-mell.

For the spell had wakened ratty hearts, whose needle-sharp teeth did sprout like darts.

The rats grew fat, they grew like a sneeze, they eyed the toys like the toys were cheese.

The rats fought the toys, their numbers depleted; rag dolls unstuffed, hobby horses unseated.

Against the rodents the Nutcracker stood, brave Clara by his side, Then Rat King entered the fray at last, on little rat feet in little rat stride.

He stomped, he fumed, he threw a fit; an ill-mannered little boy.

“How dare mere girl and toy of wood end my reign, squeaky realm destroy.”

He led from behind, so like a rat. Let others fight, all bullies do that.

But Clara would not stand for such tantrum on display.

She snatched his crown, bopped him one, and sent him on his way.

Dispatched to his room without any dinner; minus his crown, no longer a winner.

He fussed and whined, the short mousy bruiser, complained all the way, a very sore loser.

With Rat King defeated, eeww, what a smell; but strong little Clara had broken the spell.

The wood of the doll changed into flesh, and there in all glory stood Brave Prince afresh.

The Prince was sad as he looked around for Princess Fair was not to be found.

Let us find her, said Clara so bold. So off on their trek, so into the cold.

The wind did blow, the snow did blind, but they were determined, so never mind.

Though toes were numb and fingers frozen, this was the path the trio had chosen.

But then to their rescue came a vision, a dazzle of white in icy precision.

The Queen of Snow, in diamond-white glaze, snowflake-encrusted, icicles ablaze.

As Clara relates the battle’s uprise, the Queen’s heart melts at Rat King’s demise.

She shows the way, inside the tree, to the Land of the Sweets where Princess will be.

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SYNOPSIS

ACT II

S

weet, indeed, was what they discovered: angels, and insects, and men, candy-covered.

Sugar is sweet, but, my, what a sight...the Princess as Sugar Plum, what a delight!

United at last with his love once thought lost, Prince and Plum are sweetly embossed.

But wait, what’s that scratching, that gnawing where at? What is that smell? I smell a rat!

King Rat has returned, not defeated at all, still stinky and mean, and still three feet tall!

He means to do menace, he means to do harm, but Clara forgives him, such is her charm.

In honor of kindness, the people rejoice, and celebrate loudly in sweet candy voice.

Ambassadors from far and wide, shower the three with gifts Yuletide.

The Spanish click in and bring their own bull, with fiery flamenco in chocolate mouthful.

Arabs with lion have coffee to serve, spicy and hot, an oasis hor d’oeuvre.

With dragon and panda the Chinese parade, presenting their hosts with tea green as jade.

They may be big, and they may scare you, but Russians love sweets like teddy bears do.

Their candy canes are sugar and lick-able, striped in red, their color political.

Sleek as wolves, the Danes strut on. Their sweetmeats are almonds: Copenhagen chiffon.

Sailors and bull dog from England appear, with sticky apples of toffee into mouths to smear.

France leaps in on froggy strong tread, and Louie’s sweet bon bons will assure him his head.

Sketches by Tim Goodchild

Ensconced on the throne, with scepter and crown, Clara is Queen in bright-candy gown.

The Prince and his Princess are married at last. Clara waltzes with flowers, her troubles long past.

But something’s not right, what’s that in the air? The sweets fade away, but do not despair.

For where does she wake, and what does she spy? Family faces around her, it’s Christmas Day nigh.

Her Nutcracker doll held tight in her arms; Clara is fearless, no cause for alarm.

She’s home once again, her voyage complete, with a family who loves her Her own Land of the Sweet.

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THE ARTISTS

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

TIM GOODCHILD Costume and Scenic Designer International award-winning designer Tim Goodchild has designed for stage, television, film, opera, and ballet. He has designed over 100 productions for London’s West End Theatre. He designed Laurence Olivier Award-winning productions for The Royal Shakespeare Company. Internationally, he has worked in Egypt, Canada, Vienna, Los Angeles Opera, Chicago Opera, The Mariinsky Opera in St. Petersburg, Sydney Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and Broadway. In 1988, he made theater history designing the first Anglo-Soviet production of Swan Lake for Moscow’s Classical Ballet, seen in London, Japan, USA, and Moscow.

He also designed the ballet A Simple Man for BBC2, which won a BAFTA award, BBC2’s musical The Look of Love, and costumes for the film The Little Prince.

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LISA J. PINKHAM Lighting Designer Lisa J. Pinkham has designed lighting for over 200 ballets, operas, and plays. Her lighting can be seen in the repertories of many national companies. She enjoys a successful relationship with Stanton Welch AM, and has designed the lighting for many of his ballets, including Maninyas, Taiko, Tu Tu, and Falling for San Francisco Ballet; Madame Butterfly for Boston Ballet and Houston Ballet; Clear for American Ballet Theatre; and Swan Lake, Play, Cinderella, Tapestry, Marie, The Rite of Spring, Sons de L’âme, Paquita, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Romeo and Juliet, Zodiac, Giselle, The Nutcracker, and Sylvia for Houston Ballet.

WENDALL K. HARRINGTON Projection Designer Wendall K. Harrington designed the projections for Stanton Welch’s Sylvia (2019).

She received the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and American Theatre Wing awards for The Who’s Tommy. Her Broadway credits include: All the Way, Grey Gardens, Putting It Together, The Capeman, Ragtime, Company, Driving Miss Daisy, The Will Rogers Follies, The Heidi Chronicles, My One and Only, and They’re Playing Our Song. Opera: Werther, The Grapes of Wrath, Nixon in China, A View from the Bridge, Rusalka, The Photographer, The Magic Flute. Ballet: Firebird, Anna Karenina, Seranata Ratmansky, The Fairy’s Kiss with Alexei Ratmansky; Othello (Lubovitch), Don Quixote with Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Mecanique (Varone), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Balanchine).

She is the head of the projection design concentration at Yale.

RICHARD BADO Guest Conductor A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard Bado made his professional conducting debut in 1989 leading Houston Grand Opera’s production of Show Boat at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt. Since then, Mr. Bado has conducted at Teatro alla Scala, Opéra National de Paris, Houston Grand Opera, New York City Opera, the Aspen Music Festival, Tulsa Opera, the Russian National Orchestra, the Florida Philharmonic, the Montreal Symphony, Wolf Trap Opera, and has conducted the Robert Wilson production of Virgil Thomson’s Four Saints in Three Acts at the Edinburgh Festival.

An accomplished pianist, Mr. Bado appears regularly with Renée Fleming in recital. He has also played for Cecilia Bartoli, Frederica

von Stade, Susan Graham, Denyce Graves, Marcello Giordani, Ramon Vargas, Samuel Ramey, Jamie Barton, Ryan McKinney, Nicole Heaston, Jack Swanson, and Nathan Gunn.

Mr. Bado holds music degrees from the Eastman School of Music, where he received the 2000 Alumni Achievement Award, and West Virginia University. Mr. Bado is the Director of Artistic Operations and Chorus Master for the Houston Grand Opera, where he received the Silver Rose Award in 2013. He has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. For 12 years, he was the Director of the Opera Studies Program at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music.

He has worked at the Metropolitan Opera, Seattle Opera, the Bolshoi Opera Young Artist Program, Opera Australia, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Utah Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera.

JONATHAN MCPHEE Guest Conductor Jonathan McPhee is currently Music Director Emeritus for Boston Ballet after 29 years as Music Director and is Music Director for the Lexington Symphony. In addition, he is a guest conductor for New York City Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Sarasota Ballet. McPhee has served as conductor for The Royal Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, National Ballet of Canada, The Australian Ballet, Den Norske Ballet in Norway, and Royal Danish Ballet, among others. During the 2020-2021 season he was Artist in Residence at Boston University. Mr. McPhee’s works as an arranger and composer are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. and Schott Music. McPhee’s edition of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and The Firebird are the only authorized reduced orchestrations of these works. His adaption of Wagner’s RING Cycle premiered in 2016 to rave reviews and will soon be available from Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. Mr. McPhee’s recordings of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, are available on iTunes. His recording of Michael Gandolfi’s Caution to the Wind is available on the CRI label. McPhee conducted for the films of Martha Graham’s works telecast by DANCE IN AMERICA, including Samuel Barber’s Cave of the Heart, Gian Carlo Menotti’s Errand into the Maze, and Edgard Varese’ Integrales, Offrandes, and Octandre. He received his L.R.A.M. from the Royal Academy of Music and University of London, and a B.M. and M.M. from The Juilliard School.

THE ARTISTS

Houston Ballet Orchestra Conducted by Ermanno Florio, Richard Bado, and Jonathan McPhee

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

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

CLARINET Eric Chi, Principal Sean Krissman Rebecca Tobin BASS CLARINET Molly Mayfield BASSOON Amanda Swain, Principal Micah Doherty HORN James Wilson*, Principal Jamie Leff Sarah Cranston* Spencer Park Gavin Reed Kimberly Minson Kevin McIntyre

TUBA Mark Barton*, Principal TIMPANI Alison Chang, Principal PERCUSSION Christina Carroll*, Principal Karen Slotter* Robert McCullagh HARP Laurie Meister, Principal PIANO/CELESTA Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon* William Marsden *Houston Ballet Orchestra members who have more than 10 years of service

TRUMPET Tetsuya Lawson, Principal Randal Adams

OBOE Mayu Isom, Principal Katherine Hart Grace Tice

TROMBONE Thomas Hultén*, Principal Michael Warny*

ENGLISH HORN Grace Tice

BASS TROMBONE Richard Reeves

Houston Ballet Academy PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM Giovanna Abbate Garcia, Emry Amoky, Nikita Baryshnikov, Iris Bech, Eric Best, Sebastian Bondar, Quinton Brooks, Jefferson Bryant, Yu Chia Chang, Michael Dadlez, Morgan Davis, Rylan Doty, Shaiya Fand, Sophia Glagoleva, Eli Go, Nicolas Gongora, Sara Guo, Alexandria Heath, Enya Hoxha, Millicent Huang, Hart Isaacoff, Isabella Kessler, Griffin Koehl, Daya Koglovichi, Augustin Lehner, Keaton Linzau, Jordan Long, Natalie Lubinski, Stephen Lukner, Delfina Mamone, Justine Marcov, Olivia McBain, Amelia McGravey, Amelia Meissner, Zachary Mench, Isabella Morales, Ashley Nguyen, Brooke Noska, Jorge Emilio Peña de la Canal, Jessica Phillips, Alyssa Pratt, Alejandro Prieto, Macy Richter, Elliott Rogers, Brett Rule, Natalia Scheinson, Renee Shubov, Emanuel Talongo, Alexandra Walton, Mackenzie Wandel, Allison Whitley, Ryan Williams, Vincent Winderman, William Wisneskey, Garrett Yut PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM Aierkana Ainiwaer, Lara Alp, Colin Aycox, Hayden Babin, Emma Bangen, Alexis Bonilla, Sylvie Caputo, Cyrus Carlos, Ashley Chu, Jillian Clements, Manuel Colorado*, Nico Covington, Crystal Crump, Daria Dabideen, Miranda Davis, Jacey Dlabal, Grecia Esponda, Nadezhda Fabre, Sicily Farris, Francina Fedele, Lily Fuori, Tessa Garcia, Alessia Giordano, Leili Givens, Katherine Graybeal, Lilly Gropp, Gemma Huang, Shirley Hwang, Karen Kamishohara, Eleanor Kane, Genevieve Larsen, Galilea Marquez, Ava Mast, Beatrix Matthews, Neve Merideth, Camryn Moore, Kirsten Nguyen, Mary Margaret O’Connor, Karla Ortiz, Ava Oubre, Katherine Oubre, Ariana Pangilinan, Aileen Paredes, Cayden Reed, Yona Reeves, Kristian Richards, Genevieve Rishikof, Veronica Szulc, Elizabeth Underwood, Malayna Velazquez, Katie Wallace, Alexa Westman, Mia Westman, Emily Whitehead, Aubrey Willburn, Emery Willburn, Leighton Wolens, Kalen Wright *Guest Student Performer HOUSTON BALLET

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Acknowledgements Special thank you to Souvenir Scenic Studios for constructing the sets of this production Specialty and additional costumes for The Nutcracker created by Robert Allsopp, Carol Coates, Travis Halsey, Tom Schmitz, and Jane Smith

Immigration Attorneys: Foster, LLP The dancers appearing in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists AFL-CIO Houston Ballet Orchestra members are represented by Houston Professional Musicians Association, Local 65-699, A.F. of M.

Projection Programmer is Paul Vershbow Stage Crew personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., Local 51 Projection Engineer is Joey Moro Wardrobe personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., T.W.U. Local 896 Animators are Ruppert Bohle, Yana Biryukova, and Peter Keehn Houston Ballet is a member of Dance/USA General Counsel: Vinson & Elkins, LLP Touring Representation: IMG Artists

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HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF HOUSTON BALLET

OFFICIAL TELEVISION PARTNER

OFFICIAL SEASON SPONSOR OF HOUSTON BALLET

Principal Melody Mennite. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET

HOUSTON BALLET

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

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

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

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HOUSTON BALLET

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.

Company Profiles Principals

Soo Youn Cho

Jessica Collado*

Karina González

Birthplace Incheon, South Korea

Birthplace Coral Springs, Florida

Birthplace Caracas, Venezuela

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

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

Dance Training Gustavo Franklin Ballet School, Caracas, Venezuela

Joined the Company 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

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, Harid Conservatory, Houston Ballet Academy

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

Joined the Company 2014

Joined the Company 2001

Joined the Company 2004

Joined the Company 2008

Promoted to Principal 2014

Promoted to Principal 2008

Promoted to Principal 2007

Promoted to Principal 2016

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

HOUSTON BALLET

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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

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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

HOUSTON BALLET

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

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

* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy

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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

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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 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 Susan Lehmann Nutcracker Market Associate Sofia Del Villar Nutcracker Market Associate

DEVELOPMENT †Angie Lane Chief Development Officer Haley Calvert Development Coordinator Stephanie Faulk Annual Fund Manager 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 Jared Murphy Graphic Designer Lynn Chung* Marketing Coordinator Emily Averitt-Cleveland Education Marketing & PR Coordinator Leslie Goodrum Retail Merchandise & Display Coordinator David Rivera Associate Director of Audio & Video Services Nicole Bacon Audio Visual Assistant Lauren Gayden* Associate Director of Ticketing Services

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

Christina Martinez, Carlyn Scott* Box Office Managers Brittany Restrepo Ticketing Services Manager Rachel Walrath Ticketing Services Coordinator Mike Miles Audience Services Coordinator Austin Cushman, Arianna Day, Carmen Galvan, Megan Goodlett, Danielle Harris, Soledad Lara, Nicole Levy, Stephan Little, Maxwell Paulus, Cynthia Saldana, Gilberto Sanchez, Aaron Thomas, Mary Wemple Wortham Theater Center Box Office Customer Service Representatives PRODUCTION †Michelle De Los Reyes* Head of Production †Sandra Fox Head of Costumes †Lisa J. Pinkham Resident Lighting Designer Grey Starbird Technical Director Jonathan Moore Stage Manager Eli Walker Assistant Stage Manager Kimberly Norlin Production Coordinator Ashley Christian Production Operations Manager 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

MUSIC †Ermanno Florio* Music Director Richard Reeves* Orchestra Manager/Music Administrator Theresa Hanebury* Music Librarian/Pianists’ Manager & Technical Director Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon* Principal Pianist/Music Coordinator William Patterson Academy Pianist Manager Tyrone Boyle, Jennifer Edmondson, Grecia Lavenderos,* Benjamin Kaplan, April Zhi 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, William Suddreath Academy Part-Time Percussionists ACADEMY †Jennifer Sommers* Academy Director Claudio Muñoz* HBII Ballet Master Cheryne Busch* Upper School Principal Beth Everitt Lower School Principal & Children’s Ballet Master †Melissa Bowman Director of Curriculum Orlando Molina Academy Instructor & Boys Program Coordinator Susan Bryant*, Elizabeth McMillan, Kelly Myernick Kubin* Academy Instructors Katie Wesche Academy Administrative Manager Yahudi Castañeda Academy Artistic Operations Manager Carla Cortez Academy Registrar Dustin Shaw Academy Programs Manager Megan Doerksen 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

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

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Corporate Spotlight

Special thanks to our generous corporate sponsors that help make Houston Ballet’s 2021 performances of The Nutcracker possible.

HONG OGLE

RYAN M. LANCE

WINELL HERRON

Houston President, Bank of America

Chairman and CEO, ConocoPhillips

Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity & Environmental Affairs, HEB

At Bank of America, we believe in the power of the arts, and recognize that now more than ever we can all benefit from the enrichment that the arts provide. Today, art is demonstrating its resilience.

Cultural institutions, like Houston Ballet, are adapting to new ways of sharing their productions with the world, including providing digital opportunities, allowing new audiences to gain perspective on how the arts inform, unite and help promote cultural understanding. As a leader in helping the arts flourish across the globe, we understand the challenges that arts institutions are facing and we’re committed to supporting Houston Ballet’s 20212022 season and The Nutcracker.

We hope you enjoy this magical and stunning performance of Stanton Welch’s staging of a beloved holiday classic.

ConocoPhillips has been a proud sponsor of Houston Ballet for over three decades. We commend the ballet on its leadership in inspiring an appreciation for dance through its artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb educational programs.

As one of the world’s largest independent oil and gas production companies, ConocoPhillips is proud to support our hometown’s cultural arts. We are pleased to sponsor Houston Ballet’s production of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and hope you enjoy the performance!

For more than 115 years, our commitment and involvement in the community has been an important part of the way we do business.

We are proud to support Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement initiatives such as the Virtual Field Trip program featuring Nutcracker Sweets. It is said teaching is a calling, and we could not agree more. That is why we proudly support the outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of our children. From the classroom to the community, we proudly answer the call by giving back over $10 million annually to Texas educational initiatives. It is our way of saying thank you for allowing us to be your neighbor. We call it H E B’s Spirit of Giving. In this spirit, we have contributed over five percent of pretax earnings to public and charitable programs since the 1930s.

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OFFICIAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OF HOUSTON BALLET Houston Methodist comprises a leading academic medical center in the Texas Medical Center and six community hospitals serving the Greater Houston area. Houston Methodist Hospital, the system’s flagship, is consistently listed among U.S. News & World Report’s best hospitals. It was named to its prestigious 2021-22 Honor Roll, and we extend that same level of quality care across the system.

Serving as a state of Texas COVID-19 vaccine hub and as a monoclonal antibody therapy provider, Houston Methodist has been at the forefront of protecting the community during the pandemic.

As the official health care provider for Houston Ballet, we understand the importance of the arts to the city of Houston and keeping our artists and the entire community healthy.

Through our Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Houston Methodist provides amateur and professional artists with access to more than 100 elite physicians committed to treating the specific needs of performing artists so that they can do what they do best — enrich the lives of Houston audiences.

Corporate Spotlight

Special thanks to our generous corporate sponsors that help make Houston Ballet’s 2021 performances of The Nutcracker possible.

RON RAND

GRETCHEN WATKINS

PHIL GRIFFITH

President and CEO, Rand Group

President, Shell Oil Company

Vice President of IAH Hub, United Airlines

Rand Group is a proud sponsor of Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

We strongly believe that the visual and performing arts enrich our community, help break down barriers, and stimulate thoughtful conversation. We admire the perseverance of the Houston Ballet family to overcome great challenges this season while delivering inspirational performances for the city of Houston.

Rand Group helps companies stay on pointe and realize the promise of cloud computing through a careful choreography of industry best practices, the latest in cloud technology, and business intelligence and analytics. As a Microsoft and Oracle partner with a 90% client retention rate, our team will help your organization leap through daily operations with a custom solution built for your unique needs. With industry experience and intellectual property for the energy, oilfield services, manufacturing, distribution, and construction sectors, Rand Group will help your organization pirouette into digital transformation with a flawless solution.

Shell is proud to sponsor Houston Ballet and help bring premier arts and cultural activities to Houston.

Our commitment to sustainability means providing more and cleaner energy solutions while powering lives and respecting nature in the regions where we live and work. Over the last 50 years, Shell has contributed more than one billion dollars to support the welfare of our communities in Houston and across the U.S. through environmental, educational, cultural and diversity and inclusiveness initiatives.

With more than 70 years of service to the local community and surrounding region, United Airlines is proud to be Houston’s hometown airline – offering up to 470 daily flights to over 160 destinations around the world, including being the gateway to Latin America.

“Houston is home not only to one of United’s important hubs, it is also home to so many extraordinary cultural treasures,” said Phil Griffith, Vice President of IAH Hub. “The entire United family takes immense pride in the role we play in supporting the vibrant arts scene that has made Houston a magnet metropolis for such cherished cultural traditions as The Nutcracker ballet, as well as many others. Our support of Houston’s arts and culture as well as its wonderful charitable organizations demonstrates our firm commitment to this community and to our shared future.”

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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 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 Dannika E. Simpson Mrs. Alicia Smith Mrs. Heidi Smith Dr. Liliana Soltero Mr. Karl S. Stern Mr. Nicholas L. Swyka Becca Cason Thrash Mrs. Ileana Treviño Mrs. Phoebe Tudor Mrs. Kelli Weinzierl Mrs. Rini Ziegler (L) Life Trustee

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Production Underwriters Houston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the extraordinary commitment of all those who provided generous production underwriting support of The Nutcracker.

$500,000 OR MORE

$250,000-$499,999

$100,000-$249,999

$25,000-$99,999

Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts

A Friend of Houston Ballet Beauchamp Foundation The Cullen Foundation The Elkins Foundation The Fondren Foundation Texas Commission on the Arts

ConocoPhillips Allison and Troy Thacker Ms. Ann G. Trammell Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

The Brown Foundation, Inc. H-E-B Houston Ballet Guild S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh

Étoile

Étoile honors the visionary leaders who make extraordinary annual commitments of $100,000 or more to Houston Ballet and whose generosity substantially underwrites Houston Ballet’s world-class performances, renowned dance training, and extensive community programs.

Melza and Ted Barr Gary V. Beauchamp and Marian Wilfert Beauchamp The Brown Foundation, Inc. Myra Brown Anne and Albert Chao ConocoPhillips The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation The Events Company Houston Ballet Guild Houston Methodist Jesse H. Jones II Deborah and Ed Koehler

KPRC Leticia Loya Carroll and Hugh Ray Isla and T.R. Reckling III Allison and Troy Thacker Ann Trammell Stephanie and Frank Tsuru Phoebe and Bobby Tudor United Airlines Hallie Vanderhider Margaret Alkek Williams The Wortham Foundation, Inc. Lynn Wyatt

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

Directors Circle $50,000-$99,999

John and Suzanne Fain Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff Bobbie Nau Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh 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 Marsha L. Montemayor Dr. Michael Hawkins and Dr. Liliana Soltero Cabrina and Steven Owsley Stephen and Kelley Lubanko Saks Fifth Avenue/Chopard Kris and Richard McGee S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Marvin and Martha McMurrey Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Zdeblick

Presidents Circle $15,000-$24,999

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

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

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

Impresario $10,000-$14,999

Friends of Houston Ballet Christopher Barr and Patricia Shanley Ms. Ann Bean Gary and Susan Binney Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Jr. Geraldine Briceño Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Myles and Leslie Culhane Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Marsha and Sam Dodson Bruce and Pamela Earthman Twana and Kelly Faykus Myrna Fisch Allison and Adam Flikerski Mitchell B. George and Stanley Curtis, Jr. Nancy L. Harwell 42

HOUSTON BALLET

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 Dannika E. Simpson Heidi and Marcus Smith Jessica Trincanello and Jeremy Griggs Mr. and Mrs. David M. Underwood, Jr. Mr. Timothy Wampler The Friedkin Group/Marc and Brenda Watts 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 Maida and Paul Asofsky Anne Morgan Barrett Jack Bell Mr. Duane Bennett Muffet Blake Nancy Boruta Anne Orton Boss Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bourne Bridge Development Partners, LLC Mr. and Mrs. David A. Bristol, Jr. Lindsey Brown Judy Gray Brunk Reagan and Claudia Burch Carol Butler Jess and Patricia Carnes Beth and Michael Chambers Nada Chandler Mr. Robert Chanon Donna Collins Mr. Robert and Dr. Carol Collins C.C. Conner, Jr. and David Groover Sylvie and Gary Crum Rochelle Cyprus Douglas R. Davis and Rachel J. Littman 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 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 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hibbert 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 Angie Lane and Nick Eoff Stephanie Larsen and Bryn Kristen Larsen 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 and Wayne Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. James M. Nicklos Steven J. O’Connor and Catherine L. Cegielski-O’Connor Mr. Michael and Mrs. Catherine Oestmann Martha Farish Oti Mr. and Mrs. R. Robert Page Robert and Mireille Patman Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Alexander Pincu Mr. Vsevolod Popov Ms. Lori Fultz Priess Joan and Lou Pucher 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 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Simmons Michael B. Smith Frances and Chris Stacy James Stafford and Deborah Keyser Karl and Ann Stern Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stibolt Summit Dental Center-Dr. Essa A. Kawaja Dr. Jeff and Erin Thompson Diana C. Treviño Van Cleef and Arpels 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 Nicholas Baran Katherine Brooker and Thomas Stenack Sara Carbo, River Oaks Dance Rebecca Childs Claudia Espinosa Victoria Gutierrez Lindsey Hurst Shannon Lindamood Shane A. Miller

David Moyer II R. Trevor Myers Elizabeth Price Melissa Reihle Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ritchie Kristiann Rushton Ashley and Richard Tagle Alexandra Yates BRAVO $2,000-$3,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George J. Abdo Leslie Alston and Michael Zenker 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 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 Paula and Geoff Newton 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 Kenneth Anderson and Jean-Marie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Aronson Ann and Jonathan Ayre Laura and Tom Bacon Anthony and Gina Bahr Kristina Baizan Devereux Mrs. Greta Bandy Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Banks Monica and Scott Barker Stephen Barnes, MD, JD and Amy Barnes

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ANNUAL SUPPORT

Corporations, Foundations, and Public Agencies Houston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the support of the following corporations, foundations, and public agencies. $750,000 OR MORE Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation, Inc. The Brown Foundation, Inc. Houston Methodist $500,000-$749,999 The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $250,000-$499,999 City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance The Cullen Foundation The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation The Hearst Foundations $100,000-$249,999 Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation ConocoPhillips The Elkins Foundation Houston Ballet Guild KPRC The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Texas Commission on the Arts United Airlines Wells Fargo $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

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$25,000-$49,999 Baker Botts L.L.P. 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 Truist Bank $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 Mitsubishi International Corporation National Endowment for the Arts Saks Fifth Avenue Scurlock Foundation The William A. & Madeline Smith Foundation Sterling-Turner Foundation The Vaughn Foundation Vinson & Elkins LLP $2,500-$9,999 BHP The Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation Strake Foundation $1,000-$2,499 Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated The Oshman Foundation

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 Stephanie and Ted Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cato Drs. David A. Cech and Mary R. Schwartz Dr. Rupi Chatha Angela Chen Drs. Melissa and Stephen Chen Neel and Adrienne Choksi Janette Choy 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 Charles and Sharlynn Fenn Ms. Stella Fitzgibbons Mike and Lindsay Fiuzat Ermanno and Franca Florio Mary Lou Flynn-Dupart Mr. and Mrs. Harris Forbes Curtis Ford Lois Frankel Christopher and Ann Frautschi Paula Friedlander Robert and Jayne Garner Ms. Lucy Gebhart Stephan Gelinsky Anne Marit Ghazi Jason and Monik Giordano Russell Handy Karen R. and Franklin J. Harberg, Jr. Ms. Jacquelyn Harrison Mr. Robert Heyl Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins Mr. and Mrs. Ross K. Hill 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 Stephen and Patricia King Rob and Karen Kwok Brenda Landry Parry and Sydney Lauzon Alex and Victoria Lazar Mr. Jaime Ledergerber Joseph Levitan and Nicolo Messana George and Helen Littell Mrs. Sylvia Lohkamp Linnar Looris

ANNUAL SUPPORT Mr. Robert Lorio David and Susan Loveland Marvin Lummis Dr. Brian Malechuk and Mr. Kevin Melgaard Mr. Thomas Manners Renee Margolin Shelly Mark Dr. Mary F. McAleer Mr. and Mrs. James McCartney V Michael and Onalee McEwen April and Wells McGee Ms. Patricia McMahon Bill and Judy McNamee Katie and Kurt Meissner Christianne Melanson and Durwin Sharp Colonel Michael Mergens and Mrs. Mergens Julie Miles David and Mary Montague Mrs. Eileen Moore Ms. Desrye Morgan 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. 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 Marty Thomas Mrs. Jean A. Unger Dean Walker Suzanne Walstad Dr. and Mrs. J. Anthony Walter III Barbara and Howard Weiner Mike and Joan Weltzien Mr. Gary Whitney Mary Anne Wilkinson and Bill Samelson Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski Janice B. Willett Friend of Housotn Ballet The Wolens Family Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Wright Lori and Scott Wulfe Cheryl Lynn Zane †in memoriam These generous donations were received before November 1, 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.

In-Kind Donors A special thank you to the following businesses and individuals for their in-kind support.

$100,000 OR MORE Audacy KHMX Mix 96.5, KILT FM 100.3 The Bull, KKHH The Spot 95.7, KLOL Mega 101 and KILT AM Sports 610 My Lid ID PaperCity Magazine The Events Company $50,000-$99,999 Cox Media Group KKBQ 93Q Country, KTHT Country Legends 97.1 and KGKL 107.5 The Eagle H-E-B KHOU TV KPMG KRBE-FM 104.1 SMG - NRG Park $25,000-$49,999 Clear Channel Outdoor Elegant Events iHeart Radio KODA FM Sunny 99.1, KTRH AM 740 News Radio, KTBZ FM 94.5 The Buzz and KBME Sports Talk 790 Kirksey Gregg Productions, LLC KODA FM/KTRH AM KPRC TV Macy’s OUTFRONT Media Saks Fifth Avenue $10,000-$24,999 Hyatt Regency Laurel D’Antoni KSBJ FM/KTRH AM KUHF FM/KUHT TV SilverStone Events Swoon Magazine Ticketmaster

$5,000-$9,999 512 New Media Aramark Kristy and Chris Bradshaw Central Market Goff Financial Group Houston Astros Houston Public Media Key Magazine Kid’s Directory Jackson and Company Libertine Lavandula Design LH Media Design Northern Trust RR Donnelley Shepard Exposition Services Stafford Enterprises Total Traffic Network Valobra Master Jewelers Jean Wilson $2,500-$4,999 Alaska Fur Gallery City Kitchen Catering Elizabeth Anthony Gittings Guard and Grace Jimmy Choo Ostia Underbelly Hospitality $1,000-$2,499 Buz Marvins Photography Houston Ballet Orchestra Jeremy Griggs and Jessica Trincanello Masala Radio Megan Murray Photography Neiman Marcus Connor Walsh Chad Walsh

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

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

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

The 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 †Joe Anne Berwick †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 46

HOUSTON BALLET

LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY

Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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.

TO: THE BALLETOMANE What: Houston Ballet Subscription A subscription to the Ballet’s 2021-2022 season is the perfect gift for any ballet lover. This season is packed with works from Stanton Welch’s Sylvia to George Balanchine’s Jewels and so much more.

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TO: THE NUTCRACKER NUT What: Nutcracker Souvenirs During intermission, sneak up to the Grand Foyer to peruse the many Nutcracker themed ornaments, apparel, and other items sure to satisfy any Nutcracker fanatic.

HOUSTON BALLET ’S

Gift Guide ‘Tis the season for gift giving!

Still scratching your head on what to get your loved ones? Not to worry, Houston Ballet has got you covered on ways to share the joy this holiday season for every type of person in your life.

By Jasmine Fuller

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HOUSTON BALLET

Artists of Houston Ballet. Photos by Amitava Sarkar

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TO: THE HOUSTON BALLET SUBSCRIBER What: Donation in their name Take a subscriber’s Houston Ballet journey one step further by making a donation in their name. Houston Ballet donors receive special membership perks to enhance their Ballet experience such as invitations to dress rehearsals, panel discussions with artists, and an elevated theater experience.

See a potential gift? To purchase or learn more, visit houstonballet.org or call 713.874.5428 5

TO: THE GYM RAT What: Yamuna Body Rolling Class For those who work out a little or a lot, this full body workout utilizes the powerful effect of a simple Yamuna Body Rolling ball to relieve tension from their neck, back, legs and more.

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TO: THE SOPHISTICATED PARTY-GOER What: Tickets to Houston Ballet Ball The 2022 Houston Ballet Ball is the perfect event for those who love glitz and glam with this year’s theme inspired

by George Balanchine’s Jewels.

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TO: THE ASPIRING STAR What: Ballet Classes Young or old, beginner or experienced, there’s a ballet class at Houston Ballet for those who want to hone their dance skills.

Adults in Houston Ballet Class. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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TO: THE FOODIE What: Tickets to Raising the Barre When food meets dance – Houston Ballet’s popular springtime event, Raising the Barre, includes a one-ofa-kind dining experience. Working together, top Houston chefs and company dancers create a fabulous four-course dinner for any and all foodies to enjoy.

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In the Wings Houston Ballet’s 2021-2022 season glimmers with George Balanchine’s Jewels. Each of the three acts in this full-length ballet embody their namesake jewel through ambience and the unique musical stylings of their corresponding composer. Balanchine drew inspiration from Claude Arpels’ visionary jewelry designs to create his French evocative Emeralds set to Gabriel Fauré, delightfully witty Rubies that epitomizes his collaboration with Igor Stravinsky and illustrious Diamonds set to Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky. The distinct moods of each of these precious gems nods to Balanchine’s own spirit and influences. This stunning work of art is welcomed back to the Wortham Theater Center stage for a spring awakening that’s sure to sparkle.

Houston Ballet will present the Jewels February 24 - March 6, 2022 at the Wortham Theater Center.

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

Principal Melody Mennite and Former Principal Simon Ball with Artists of Houston Ballet in Emeralds.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

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HOUSTON BALLET

Music & SHARE THE Movement JOY OF LIVE

Gift the gift of music & movement this holiday season with the perfect mini package subscription for music lovers of all genres!

Pretty Things | Jewels | Originals

PERFORMANCES 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!

Single tickets are on sale now!

The Nutcracker

November 26 - December 24, 2021

The first 100 donors who make a gift of $100 or more will receive a beautiful costume sketch copy of the Sugar Plum Fairy, originally drawn by Tim Goodchild – award winning costume and set designer of The Nutcracker!

Jewels

February 24 - March 6, 2022

Madame Butterry March 10 - 20, 2022

Academy Spring Showcase April 29 - 30, 2022

May 20 - 29, 2022

Originals June 2 - 12, 2022

Sylvia

June 16 - 26, 2022

houstonballet.org | 713.227.2787 (ARTS)

Principal Melody Mennite and Former Principal Simon Ball with Artists of Houston Ballet in Emeralds.

Choreography by George Balanchine. © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

Pretty Things

Principal Soo Youn Cho and Soloist Harper Watters. Photo by Amitava Sarkar

3 ballets start at just $75!

Scan to ensure the joy of live performances continues!

Or text HBGIVE to 44-321 to make a gift

HoustonBallet

HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 2

The Nutcracker

VOL. 4, ISSUE 2 2021