MODERN MASTERS

Rock, Roll & Tutus - Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Broken Wings - Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM

An Evening with the Stars - Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Rock, Roll & Tutus

Experience an exciting mixed repertory program that blends classic rock, contemporary movement, and powerful ensemble work. Renowned choreographer Brett Ishida returns with her 2024 work, what i was thinking while i was waltzing, a raw and realistic story elevated by bold costume design. Soloist Jacquelyn Long’s Illuminate, originally created for the 2023 Jubilee of Dance, is a lyrical exploration of inspiration and creativity. Christopher Bruce’s Rooster, set to iconic Rolling Stones tracks like “Paint It, Black” and “Sympathy for the Devil,” channels the swagger and spirit of the 1960s through playful, fast-paced choreography with a satirical edge. Rounding out the program is Stanton Welch’s Vi et animo, a grand, company-wide showcase of technical mastery and emotional depth, set to Tchaikovsky’s powerful Piano Concerto No. 1.

Broken Wings 

A powerful mixed repertory exploring identity, legacy, and the human experience through three emotionally resonant works. These ballets form a striking evening of dance that challenges tradition and celebrates artistic innovation. A world premiere by Stanton Welch AM set to Mason Bates’ Stereo is King, a genre-defying score that merges orchestral and electronic music with tribal percussion and immersive stereo effects. Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, set to Mozart’s revered piano concertos, is a sensual meditation on life, love, and mortality, featuring elegant choreography with six men, six women, and six fencing foils that become extensions of the dancers themselves. Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings, inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo, blends surrealist imagery, Mexican folk music, and a poignant narrative that honors Kahlo’s resilience, artistry, and deep cultural roots.

An Evening with the Stars

Showcasing both the visionary voices shaping ballet today and beloved classics by acclaimed choreographers, An Evening with the Stars offers a dynamic and emotionally resonant evening. The production features a highly anticipated world premiere by Alice Topp, marking her first mainstage work for Houston Ballet following her acclaimed Lighthouse for Houston Ballet II. Known for her deeply expressive choreography and celebrated works, Topp brings a fresh perspective to the Company’s repertoire. Stanton Welch AM’s Tapestry, inspired by Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, draws a compelling parallel between the intricacy of weaving and the artistry of dance, resulting in a beautifully structured piece that celebrates unity through movement. Rounding out the program is Jerome Robbins’ Dances at a Gathering, a poetic masterwork set to 18 solo piano pieces by Frédéric Chopin. The ballet captures moments of intimacy, nostalgia, and joy as dancers move together in pure musical harmony.