Houston Ballet Announces First-Ever Co-Artistic Director

Houston Ballet Announces First-Ever Co-Artistic Director

Julie Kent (photo by Jayme Thornton, courtesy of The Washington Ballet)

THE BELOVED STANTON Welch of the Houston Ballet officially has a new counterpart in Julie Kent, named the company's first-ever co-artistic director today.


The longest-serving ballerina in American Ballet Theatre, Kent arrives in Houston in July 2023 from DC, where she currently serves as the artistic director of The Washington Ballet. She's been there since 2016, and in that time has commissioned 26 world premieres by 17 different choreographers.

"Not only is Julie Kent ballet royalty and immensely talented—both as a dancer, coach, stager and teacher — but there is no one I would rather have as a partner to bring Houston Ballet into this next chapter,” said Welch in a statement. He previously worked with Kent during her time at American Ballet Theatre, when she danced in his productions Clear and Carmina Burana. “I very much look forward to what will be a highly collaborative experience that will only elevate what Houston Ballet can achieve, both artistically and as an organization.”

Kent and her husband, Victor Barbee, who is The Washington Ballet's Associate Artistic Director, have two children, and have also created important works together. (Their staging of The Sleeping Beauty was described by the New York Times as “one of the world’s finer Sleeping Beauties.”) They will relocate to Houston together next summer.

Art + Entertainment
Thrive & Inspire: Michelle Reyna Wymes Stresses Importance of ‘Continuing to Learn’

Michelle Reyna Wymes, Co-Owner of The Reyna Group

WHAT'S THE SECRET to running a successful business? It is so important to stay present every day. With the fast-paced patterns of today’s society and ever-evolving technologies, I stress to our agents how important it is to continue to learn. If one reaches a point at which the ego takes over or burnout sets in and progress takes a back seat, things will get stuck. Regardless of what field you are in, I believe in starting with the basics to set and strengthen your foundation. I treat everyone we work with from our contractors, clients, to our inspectors with respect, patience and care.

Keep ReadingShow less

Tim & Martha Pandajis

ONE OF HOUSTON'S most beloved music organizations — Mercury, whose mission is to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence — raised a quarter-million bucks at its recent annual gala, which had a fun “Carnival of the Animals” theme.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

THE WEEKEND FORECAST looks great, and the outdoors is calling! The Bayou City Art Festival, produced by the Art Colony Association, Inc., returns to recently beautified Memorial Park. The weekend event (March 24-26, 10am-6pm) benefits six local nonprofit partners, and this year ushers in new and interactive happenings with something for everyone.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment