MEDIA CONTACT
For all Houston Ballet press inquires, please reach out to Ellen Neiers eneiers@houstonballet.org, and for all Academy press inquires, please reach out to Debra Patterson, dpatterson@houstonballet.org.
Media personnel can access high-resolution images/videos, logos, and the Company's media fact sheet below:
CURRENT PRESS RELEASES
Houston Ballet Announces 2025-26 Company Roster
June 23, 2025 — Houston Ballet is pleased to announce its Company roster for the 2025–26 season, marking a new chapter of artistic excellence and innovation. Under the leadership of Artistic Directors Julie Kent and Stanton Welch AM, the Company continues its commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical and modern ballet while nurturing the next generation of exceptional artists.
Houston Ballet Principal Soo Youn Cho Announces Retirement
June 20, 2025 — Houston Ballet announces the retirement of Principal Dancer Soo Youn Cho, whose 13-year tenure with the Company has been marked by grace, strength, and artistic depth. After more than a decade of unforgettable performances and deeply moving portrayals, Cho is stepping away from the stage with profound gratitude and reflection.
Houston Ballet Returns to Japan for Summer 2025 Tour
June 10, 2025 — Houston Ballet proudly announces its highly anticipated Summer 2025 Japan Tour, bringing its distinctive blend of technical excellence and storytelling to audiences in Tokyo and Nagoya from July 3 - 12, 2025. This marks the Company's first international tour since 2022. The company will present two programs: a dynamic mixed repertoire and Stanton Welch AM’s critically acclaimed reimagining of Giselle.
Houston Ballet Presents Sparrow, A Triple Bill
June 2, 2025 — Prepare to be captivated as Houston Ballet announces its last program of the season, Sparrow: A Triple Bill, an enthralling showcase of three one-act ballets by esteemed choreographers spanning generations. This exquisite production celebrates George Balanchine, Houston Ballet Artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E., and Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM, each contributing to a dazzling evening of dance artistry.
Houston Ballet Announces Sonja Kostich As New Executive Director
May 5, 2025 — Houston Ballet is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonja Kostich as the organization’s next Executive Director. Kostich will assume her role in August 2025 and will work closely with Co-Artistic Directors Julie Kent and Stanton Welch AM to lead the Company forward. She currently serves as President and Executive Director of Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, a position she has held since 2022.
Houston Ballet Presents The World Premiere of Stanton Welch’s Raymonda
April 8, 2025 — Houston Ballet is proud to announce the world premiere of Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM’s Raymonda, running May 29 through June 8. Inspired by other variations, including Marius Petipa's classic, Welch’s opulent adaptation reinvigorates the timeless ballet with a focus on modern themes, dynamic storytelling, and a rich sense of humanity. Welch’s Raymonda will debut at the Wortham Theater Center, accompanied by Alexander Glazunov’s masterful score and stunning designs by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno.
Houston Ballet Presents Ben Stevenson’s Iconic Rendition of The Sleeping Beauty
March 5, 2025 — Houston Ballet invites audiences to an enchanting journey with its revival of The Sleeping Beauty from March 13-23, 2025. Choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Ben Stevenson O.B.E. and set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this timeless masterpiece captures the elegance, grandeur, and magic that have cemented its place in ballet history.
Houston Ballet Elevates Harper Watters to Principal Dancer
March 3, 2025 — Houston Ballet is proud to announce the promotion of Harper Watters to Principal Dancer. Formally a First Soloist, Watters was promoted on Saturday evening of March 1, 2025 after starring in Stanton Welch’s Maninyas as the Blue Couple. This achievement marks a defining moment in Watters’ illustrious career and the Company's first promotion to principal since 2018, underscoring the exceptional talent and dedication Harper brings to the stage.
Houston Ballet Announces its 2025-26 Season
February 20, 2025 — Houston Ballet proudly unveils its 2025-26 season, curated by Artistic Directors Julie Kent and Stanton Welch AM. A masterful blend of classics and contemporary works, this upcoming season promises to captivate seasoned ballet enthusiasts and newcomers alike with world premieres, audience favorites, and celebrated guest choreographers.
Houston Ballet Presents In The Night: A Captivating Triple Bill
February 3, 2025 — Houston Ballet is proud to present In the Night, a mesmerizing triple bill that brings together three compelling ballets blending classical elegance and contemporary vitality from February 27 through March 9, 2025. The program includes Stanton Welch’s striking Maninyas, Jerome Robbins’s evocative In the Night, and Lila York’s high-energy Celts. With breathtaking choreography and rich musical scores, this production explores the intricacies of emotional depth, human connection, and cultural celebration.
PRESS RELEASE ARCHIVE
Browse past press releases for a look at Houston Ballet over the years.