Myths & Legends

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Sylvia - Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM

An Evening with the Stars - Saturday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Giselle - Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 1:30 PM

Sylvia

Three women. Two worlds. One epic story of love. Stanton Welch’s Sylvia blends Greek mythology into a powerful story of love where three fierce women drive the narrative: Sylvia, the fearless huntress; Artemis, the commanding goddess; and Psyche, the compassionate mortal. Anchoring the tale, Sylvia is struck by Eros’ arrow, causing her to fall in love with a mortal shepherd. Welch’s multilayered narrative dives between mythical and human realms as the three heroines journey on their own path to love, leading to a tale of mayhem, mischief, magic, and romance. Underscoring it all is Léo Delibes’ masterful score, which Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky once praised for its “charm, elegance, richness of melody, rhythm, and harmony.”  

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.

Giselle

Stanton Welch’s reimagined version of one of ballet’s most revered works, Giselle, is a cornerstone of 19th-century Romanticism. Giselle tells the heart-wrenching story of a peasant girl tragically betrayed by an aristocrat posing as a commoner. Premiering in 2016, Welch’s fresh interpretation for Houston Ballet draws upon the unedited 1941 version of Adolphe Adam’s score, expanding the narrative to offer dancers greater emotional depth in their roles. Giselle is brought to life by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno through stunning sets and costumes. While the original 1841 version by Marius Petipa is a hallmark of classical ballet for its groundbreaking storytelling and psychological depth, Giselle also holds a special place in Houston Ballet’s history. In 1967, a one-night-only performance by Nina Popova’s ballet school ignited the city’s passion for ballet, ultimately leading to the founding of Houston Ballet in 1969.