Christopher Bruce's Legacy at Houston Ballet

Created in 1981 for Ballet Rambert, this ballet a tribute to the victims of political oppression in South America. The dancers perform barefoot to haunting South American folk music, evoking a sense of loss and and resilience. Houston Ballet premiered the work in 1988.

Gautama Buddha is a poignant ballet exploring the life of Siddhartha and his journey to enlightenment. Created for Houston Ballet, it premiered in 1989. The work combines Bruce's signature theatrical style with a profound spiritual narrative.

Journey premiered with Houston Ballet in 1990. It is a contemplative piece, exploring themes of spiritual searching and the human condition. The work is known for its lyrical choreography and is a testament to Bruce's role as a key choreographer at Houston Ballet.

Swansong is a powerful ballet about human rights. Premiering in 1987, it features three male dancers. Houston Ballet presented the work in 1991, further solidifying Bruce's choreographic legacy in the United States.

Created for Houston Ballet, where it premiered in 1992, this work is a tribute to the beauty of the natural world, featuring lyrical and expansive choreography that showcases Bruce's unique blend of contemporary and classical styles.

Bruce's Sergeant Early's Dream (1984) is a ballet about immigration set to British, Irish, and American folk songs; it evokes nostalgia and the bittersweet memories of leaving home. Houston Ballet premiered the work in 1992.

Bruce's 1977 ballet Cruel Garden is a theatrical work inspired by the life of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. It's a surreal, dramatic piece about political oppression. Houston Ballet premiered the work in 1993, becoming the first U.S. company to have it in their repertoire.

Rooster is a ballet set to the music of The Rolling Stones. It premiered in 1991 for Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, it's a witty, energetic work exploring gender dynamics and the swagger of the 1960s. Houston Ballet first premiered the ballet in 1995.

Land is a work of great emotional depth, created for London Festival Ballet in 1985. Set to music by Arne Nordheim, it's a stark and powerful piece about the suffering of political prisoners. Houston Ballet premiered the work in 1997.

Hush is a humorous and touching ballet about family life, set to music by Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma. Created specifically for Houston Ballet, the work had its world premiere in 2006, celebrating the joys and complexities of family relationships.

Grinning in Your Face premiered in 2001 and features soulful blues and gospel music. It explores resilience and human dignity through expressive, grounded movement. Houston Ballet first performed the work in 2011, bringing its emotional depth to U.S. audiences.

Intimate Pages is a powerful ballet about love and loss. Created in 1984, it is set to Leoš Janáček's String Quartet No. 2, which was inspired by the composer's unrequited love for a younger woman. Houston Ballet added the work to its repertoire in 2013.