Join us in-person for our free Dance Talks lecture series to learn more about the works on Houston Ballet's stage and the artists behind them.
For more information about Dance Talks, please contact Jennifer Sommers, Director of Education, at [email protected].
Dance Talks take place at the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance, 601 Preston Street
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
August 29, 2023 at 7:15 PM
Join us as we explore the three worlds in John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream based on William Shakespeare’s joyous romantic comedy. In conversation led by Elizabeth Klett, author of Choreographing Shakespeare: Dance Adaptations of the Plays and Poems, listen to artists of Houston Ballet as they share how the three worlds interact with their roles in Neumeier’s distinguished ballet.
Tutu
September 12, 2023 at 7:15PM
Don’t miss the chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at Delmira, an Annabelle Lopez Ochoa premiere. Join us as we discuss this one-act ballet inspired by the life of Uruguayan modernist poet Delmira Agustini.
Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance
November 28, 2023 at 7:15PM
Join us for a celebratory Dance Talk as we commemorate Artistic Director Stanton Welch’s 20th Anniversary during our annual Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance.
Dwight Rhoden
January 10, 2024
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in an exclusive and intimate conversation with Lauren Anderson and Dwight Rhoden, the Founding Artistic Director / Choreographer of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Dwight is recognized by The New York Times as "one of the most sought-out choreographers of the day," has crafted over 80 ballets for Complexions and a multitude of renowned companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, and The San Francisco Ballet. This unique opportunity offers a glimpse into Rhoden's extraordinary career and his profound impact on the world of contemporary ballet.
Cinderella
February 13, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Join us for a special Dance Talk as we journey back to the creation of Stanton Welch AM’s Cinderella with Ballet Master Steven Woodgate, the original stepsister Florinda in the 1997 premiere. Woodgate, along with Soloist Jacquelyn Long and Demi Soloist Jack Wolff, will reflect on preparing for the upcoming run.
Bespoke
February 27, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Continuing the long-standing commitment of bringing Jiří Kylián’s work to Houston, upcoming mixed repertory program Bespoke features the Houston Ballet premiere of Kylián’s Overgrown Path. Through stimulating humanizing themes, Kylián continues to inspire and stretch dancers artistically and physically. Moderated by Artistic Director Julie Kent, Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM, Principal Karina González and former First Soloist Kelly Myernick will discuss Kylián’s importance to the dance world.
Mayerling
May 14, 2024 at 7:15 PM
In this Dance Talk, we take a closer look at Mayerling, an epic triumph in classical storytelling revealing the dark tale of Crown Prince Rudolf, the sole heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 1880s.
Four Seasons
May 28, 2024 at 7:15 PM
Don’t miss the chance to join us for our final Dance Talk of the season in which will take a deep dive into Dwight Rhoden’s world premiere and first ballet for Houston Ballet.