DANCE TALKS

Every heroine needs a villain—and with three heroines in Sylvia, we get three compelling antagonists. Join us as we speak with the dancers behind these darker roles about how they tap into the villainous mindset, what it takes to bring these complex figures to life, and the characteristics that make up the great villains of ballet.

Annabelle Lopez Ochoa channels the bold spirit of Frida Kahlo in Broken Wings, a work inspired by the painter’s tumultuous life and unforgettable art. In this Dance Talk, we learn about the pivotal experience, relationships, and artistic turning points that shaped Kahlo’s world and how it all forms Lopez Ochoa’s surrealist hit.

In 2018, award-winning choreographer Alice Topp created Lighthouse on Houston Ballet II for their tour to San Angelo in October of 2019. Now, Topp returns to Houston Ballet in the Spring of 2026 to set her first work on the main company. Join us for a sneak peek into her world premiere before it hits the stage.

Don’t miss the chance to join us for our final Dance Talk of the season as we step into the psyche of one of ballet's most coveted roles: Giselle.

In our first Dance Talk of the season, we explore John Cranko’s Onegin, based on Alexander Pushkin’s celebrated verse-novel of love, longing, and missed opportunities. In a conversation led by Elizabeth Klett, Professor of Literature at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, hear from Principals Jessica Collado and Aaron Robison alongside stager Reid Anderson-Graefe as they reflect on how Cranko brings story, character, and emotion to life onstage.

Christopher Bruce’s Rooster saunters in with swagger on a mixed bill spanning styles, set to the timeless tunes of The Rolling Stones. True to Bruce’s choreographic voice, it speaks to human nature at its core. This Dance Talk highlights Rooster with its legendary creator, joined by First Soloist Tyler Donatelli and former First Soloist Kelly Myernick, while also reflecting on Bruce’s remarkable career and his celebrated tenure as Houston Ballet Associate Choreographer.