Houston Ballet 601 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002
713.523.6300 info@houstonballet.org www.houstonballet.org
Julie Kent Artistic Director
Stanton Welch AM Artistic Director James Nelson Executive Director
Welcome! Dear Houston Ballet friends, For more than a century, The Sleeping Beauty has captivated audiences with its timeless tale, classical technique, and breathtaking music. When Artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E. premiered his reimagined version in 1990, it quickly became a cornerstone of Houston Ballet’s legacy. Revitalized by the lavish costumes and scenery of the late Desmond Heeley, Ben’s remarkable ability to blend humor and drama with finely crafted characters showcases our dancers’ dynamic strengths while honoring the nuances of Tchaikovsky’s incredible score. It was an honor to perform in this very production in 1993 during my time in the Company. So, when I was asked to dust off my dancing shoes and return to the stage for this special run, I was truly humbled. In preparation, I briefly returned to the studio; it never ceases to amaze me to watch our dancers in action—fine-tuning their craft, perfecting each step, and honing their characters. The dedication of our dancers is what sets Houston Ballet apart, but what truly elevates us is the passion of our entire community. Art flourishes through the inspiration and collaboration of a supportive community. The connection between the Company and our audience creates an atmosphere where art transcends the stage and unites us all. Your presence and support in the theater allow us to continually push the boundaries of what is possible. You are a part of the heartbeat of this company, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Ben Stevenson OBE Artistic Director Emeritus
As we look to the future, ticket sales alone cannot cover the full costs of producing world-class performances and supporting the incredible talent you see on stage. Your generosity has been instrumental in our growth, and as part of our strategic plan, we are working to grow our endowment to $200 million by 2035. Houston Ballet’s endowment is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our company; this will allow Houston Ballet to thrive for generations to come. I hope you will consider joining me in making a legacy gift by including Houston Ballet in your estate plans. Gifts to our endowment will provide lasting support, helping to ensure that the artistry you cherish today will continue to flourish tomorrow. By doing so, you will become a permanent part of the Company’s future. If you’re interested in leaving Houston Ballet in your estate plans, please contact Chief Development Officer Angie Lane at alane@houstonballet.org or 713.535.3276. Thank you for being here with us tonight and for your continued support. Together, we can build a future where Houston Ballet’s artistry and cultural impact will remain a beacon for the community and the world.
PUBLISHED BY Houston Ballet
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Angela Lane DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Angela Lee DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLICATIONS Jasmine Fuller Cane DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kharma Grimes DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Amanda Coleman PROJECT STAFF Alexandra Anthony, Lynn Chung, Jared Murphy, Ellen Neiers
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Houston Ballet Vol. 7, Issue 5
Enjoy the performance,
ON THE COVER Soloist Alyssa Springer. Photo by Julie Soefer.
JIM NELSON Houston Ballet Executive Director
6 HOUSTON BALLET
Houston Ballet Executive Director Jim Nelson. Photo by Alana Campbell.
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