Houston Ballet is the fourth largest ballet company in the United States and has been performing since 1975. It is a highly acclaimed, critically acclaimed organization that offers both classical and contemporary ballets, as well as educational programming for children and adults. It has become a major cultural force in the city of Houston, Texas.
The company was founded by a group of professional dancers including Ben Stevenson, who served as its Artistic Director from 1976 until 2003. During this time, he brought in some of the most renowned choreographers and dancers from around the world to perform with the company. He also established a strong emphasis on education in dance technique, choreography and performance.
Houston Ballet is currently under the artistic direction of Stanton Welch AM, who has been with the company since 2003. Under his leadership, Houston Ballet has become an internationally recognized leader in classical ballet, commissioning new works by some of today’s top choreographers and presenting more than one hundred full-length ballets each season. The company also offers extensive training programs for aspiring dancers and teachers.
Houston Ballet is owned by Houston Ballet Foundation, which was established in 1979 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to ensure the long-term stability of Houston Ballet. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support Houston Ballet’s artistic excellence, educational initiatives, community outreach activities and financial stability; manage an endowment fund; acquire capital assets; provide fiscal oversight; and serve as an advocate for Houston Ballet throughout Texas and beyond.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees is comprised of prominent business leaders from across Houston who are committed to supporting Houston Ballet’s mission. They meet regularly to approve budgets and review financial statements; make decisions about investments; review grant requests; approve capital expenditures; monitor fundraising strategies; implement marketing plans; review personnel policies; oversee strategic planning efforts; act as liaisons between Houston Ballet staff members and other organizations that support the arts in Texas; serve on committees such as finance or development; attend performances throughout the year to promote awareness of Houston Ballet’s work among potential donors; participate in community outreach activities such as school visits or lectures on dance technique or appreciation of ballet performances.
Conclusion
Houston Ballet is owned by its non-profit affiliate organization – The Houston Ballet Foundation – which was established in 1979 to ensure its long term stability.