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An Evening with the Stars May 28 - June 7, 2026
“ ...when all comes to stillness and
the evening’s magic evanesces; dance is only a transitory gift.” -The Guardian
Inspired by Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 and created for Houston Ballet in 2012, Tapestry is a dazzling showcase for a small ensemble, where diverse bodies and styles come together in unity. Stanton Welch AM was inspired by a photograph of a dobby loom—a weaving device used to create intricate patterns—which reminded him of a ballet company: many individual parts working together to form something beautiful. Like the loom’s design, Welch’s choreography weaves movement into unexpected, captivating patterns, revealing the beauty of complexity and flow. Alice Topp returns to Houston Ballet in Spring 2026 to create her first work for the Company. In 2019, she choreographed Lighthouse on Houston Ballet II, marking the beginning of a meaningful connection with the organization. Born in Bendigo, Australia, Topp began dancing at age four and pursued classical ballet training at various schools. Her early professional career included time with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, as well as a period of recovery from a serious injury before joining The Australian Ballet. Though she hadn’t originally set out to become a choreographer, Topp rose to prominence and became one of only two female resident choreographers in The Australian Ballet’s history. Her works— Aurum, Little Atlas , and others—have garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the 2019 Helpmann Award for Best Ballet. In a 1972 letter to the editor of Ballet Review , Jerome Robbins wrote: “There are no stories to any of the dances in Dances at a Gathering . There are no plots and no roles. The dancers are themselves dancing with each other to that music in that space.” Rather than following a narrative, the ballet unfolds as a series of solos, duets, and ensemble moments performed by ten dancers, capturing the spirit of community, nostalgia, joy, and intimacy. Premiering in 1969, Dances at a Gathering marked Robbins’ return to New York City Ballet after a 13-year absence. Now making it’s Houston premiere, set to 18 piano pieces by Frédéric Chopin—including mazurkas, waltzes, and études—the choreography reflects the Polish roots and Parisian elegance of Chopin’s music.
Tapestry Choreographer: Stanton Welch AM Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
World Premiere Choreographer: Alice Topp
Dances at a Gathering Choreographer: Jerome Robbins Music: Frédéric Chopin
Danbi Kim. Photo by Julie Soefer.
Harper Watters. Photo by Claire McAdams.
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