• Artists of Houston Ballet in Jacquelyn Long’s Illuminate. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
    Artists of Houston Ballet in Jacquelyn Long’s Illuminate. Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
  • Houston Ballet Principal Jessica Collado as Artemis and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
    Houston Ballet Principal Jessica Collado as Artemis and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
  • Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
    Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
  • Houston Ballet Principals Karina González as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Angelo Greco as the Nutcracker Prince with Artists of Houston Ballet and Students of Houston Ballet Academy in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
    Houston Ballet Principals Karina González as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Angelo Greco as the Nutcracker Prince with Artists of Houston Ballet and Students of Houston Ballet Academy in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
  • Houston Ballet Principal Connor Walsh and former Principal Melody Mennite in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
    Houston Ballet Principal Connor Walsh and former Principal Melody Mennite in Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
  • Houston Ballet Principals Karina González as Sylvia and Connor Walsh as The Shepherd in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
    Houston Ballet Principals Karina González as Sylvia and Connor Walsh as The Shepherd in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
  • Melody Herrera & Christopher Coomer in Onegin. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
    Melody Herrera & Christopher Coomer in Onegin. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
  • Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Psyche with Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
    Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Psyche with Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Sylvia. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
  • Houston Ballet Demi Soloist Kellen Hornbuckle as Clara and Principal Connor Walsh as Drosselmeyer in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
    Houston Ballet Demi Soloist Kellen Hornbuckle as Clara and Principal Connor Walsh as Drosselmeyer in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar. Courtesy of Houston Ballet
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Australian Flair Shines Bright in Houston Ballet's 2025-26 Season

25 February 2025
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Houston Ballet has unveiled its ambitious 2025-26 season, a program brimming with both classic grandeur and contemporary innovation. While the company may be based in Texas, Australia's artistic imprint is undeniable, with Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM and esteemed choreographer Alice Topp playing pivotal roles in shaping the season's direction.

Welch, a name synonymous with Australian dance excellence, continues to leave an indelible mark on Houston Ballet. Since taking the helm in 2003, his leadership has transformed the company into a powerhouse, fostering a rich repertoire that balances tradition with bold new works. This season is no exception, featuring Welch’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, his reimagined Sylvia, and the return of his poignant Giselle.

But it's not just the familiar classics that highlight Welch's contribution. The season also boasts a new world premiere by Welch, set to the dynamic music of Mason Bates. This piece promises to be a thrilling exploration of sound and movement, further cementing Welch’s reputation as a visionary choreographer. His 2023 world premiere, Vi et animo, set to Tchaikovsky, will also be featured in the mixed program Rock, Roll, & Tutus, showcasing his ability to blend technical brilliance with dramatic impact.

Adding to the Australian presence is the exciting inclusion of a world premiere by Alice Topp. Topp, a celebrated choreographer with a distinctive voice, will bring her innovative and compelling storytelling to Houston Ballet for the first time. This marks a significant moment for the company, and for Australian dance, as Topp’s unique perspective is introduced to a new audience. Her commission for An Evening With The Stars promises to be a highlight of the season.

The season itself is a testament to the company's commitment to artistic diversity. From the dramatic narrative of John Cranko’s Onegin to the rock-infused energy of Christopher Bruce’s Rooster, Houston Ballet offers a program that caters to a wide range of tastes. Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings, inspired by Frida Kahlo, add further depth and complexity to the lineup.

Beyond the stage, Houston Ballet’s commitment to education and community engagement is equally impressive. The company’s academy, which boasts an impressive track record of nurturing talent, will showcase its rising stars in the Academy Spring Showcase. 

With Stanton Welch AM and Alice Topp at the forefront, Houston Ballet's 2025-26 season is set to be a remarkable celebration of dance. The strong Australian presence underscores the nation's significant contribution to the global dance landscape, bringing a unique blend of creativity and artistry to the heart of Texas.

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