Étoile honors the visionary leaders who make extraordinary annual commitments of $100,000 or more to Houston Ballet. Étoile, translated from French, means “star” and is most frequently used in the ballet world to designate the highest ranking of principal dancers within a company – a fitting tribute to those whose generosity substantially underwrites Houston Ballet’s world-class performances, renowned dance training, and extensive community programs. Étoile
THE BROWN FOUNDATION, INC. For four decades, The Brown Foundation has been one of Houston Ballet’s most generous philanthropic supporters. Established in 1951 and based in Houston, the Foundation provides sustaining support for education, community service, and the visual and performing arts. The Foundation was instrumental in contributing to Houston Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic. The Foundation’s tremendous commitment to Houston Ballet’s endowment, general operating fund, and the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance has paved the way for Houston Ballet to grow into the world-renowned company it is today.
MELZA AND TED BARR Melza and Ted Barr have a deep passion for dance. Melza, a former dancer, and Ted have supported Stanton Welch’s efforts to elevate Houston Ballet to international acclaim. Their generous support has brought full-length ballets like Welch’s Romeo and Juliet to life, and they’ve formed a close friendship with set designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno. This year, they are underwriting Welch’s world premiere Raymonda . The Barrs also support Houston Ballet artists by endowing a Principal Dancer position, currently held by Beckanne Sisk, making a lasting impact on the company’s success.
GARY V. BEAUCHAMP AND MARIAN WILFERT BEAUCHAMP Marian and Gary V. Beauchamp have profoundly impacted the company with their exceptional generosity, from underwriting productions to enhancing the Ballet’s world-class facility. In recent seasons, they’ve significantly supported Student Matinees and Studio Series, bringing dance to thousands of schoolchildren who might otherwise miss out on the arts. Their dedication has enriched countless children’s lives and strengthened Houston’s cultural fabric. Marian and Gary’s passion for dance and commitment to its future
KRISTY AND CHRIS BRADSHAW Kristy and Chris Bradshaw are dedicated arts supporters and key figures in Houston’s philanthropic community. Alongside a successful financial career, Kristy, a first- generation Cuban American, has been an Executive Committee member for more than a decade. She served as Board President and now Chairman. In addition to other roles, Kristy was instrumental in the creation of the popular fundraising event Raising the Barre. She plays a crucial role in bringing new supporters to the Ballet and, together with Chris, underwrites Corps de Ballet member Gretel Batista this season. They are serving as Co-Chairs of the 2025 Ballet Ball and include the Ballet in their estate plans, highlighting their unwavering commitment to the company’s future.
ensure their legacy will continue to inspire both the Ballet and the community for years to come.
THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
CONOCOPHILLIPS ConocoPhillips has been a proud sponsor of Houston Ballet for more than three decades. As one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips is proud to support Houston’s thriving cultural arts community. ConocoPhillips’ investment in Houston Ballet’s mission and goals can be recognized in their support of the construction of the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance and productions including Romeo and Juliet, Sylvia , and Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker . They were honored at the 2019 Houston Ballet Ball. Laura Robertson, Deputy General Counsel, serves on Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees.
THE CULLEN FOUNDATION One of the city’s oldest and most significant charitable institutions, The Cullen Foundation has supported Houston Ballet for decades and is one of its most important benefactors. Established in 1947, the Foundation has more than 70 years of giving history generously supporting cultural arts, education, health care, and public service in the greater Houston area, granting nearly $500 million to Houston institutions. Notably, the Foundation was a lead supporter of the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker , and the Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in recent years.
THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
ANNE AND ALBERT CHAO Anne and Albert Chao have
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts has been a generous underwriter of Houston Ballet’s presentation of new and premiere ballets for more than four decades. The Trust was established from assets of The Cullen Foundation to support Texas performing arts institutions, focusing on those within the greater Houston area. In addition to supporting new works, The Trust has been a generous sponsor of Houston Ballet’s endowment, the construction of the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance, and The Nutcracker. Additionally, The Trust has generously provided leadership support through the back-to-back challenges of Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic.
significantly impacted the company through their dedicated support. Anne, a longtime trustee, and Albert are passionate champions of Asian art, whose generosity includes underwriting Disha Zhang’s Elapse , highlighting their commitment to artistic diversity and innovation. Most recently, they underwrote Stanton Welch’s Vi et animo , which premiered during the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance in celebration of Welch’s 20th anniversary with Houston Ballet. The Chaos’ contributions have enriched the Ballet and strengthened its community ties, ensuring their legacy will inspire for years to come.
HOUSTON BALLET
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