George Balanchine's Legacy at Houston Ballet

Agon (1957), set to Igor Stravinsky's music, is a neoclassical ballet for twelve dancers, blending court dance forms with modern abstraction. Houston Ballet premiered it in 1996.

Ballet Imperial (1941) is a tribute to Russian ballet traditions, set to Tschaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Houston Ballet premiered it in 2013 during their Journey With the Masters program.

George Balanchine’s Ballo della Regina (1978), set to Verdi’s music, is a dazzling ballet created for Merrill Ashley, showcasing virtuosic speed and clarity. Houston Ballet first performed it in 2014, bringing its vibrancy to the stage as part of a mixed rep program.

Concerto Barocco (1941), set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D minor, is a pure, abstract ballet highlighting the interplay between music and movement. Houston Ballet first performed it in 1971.

George Balanchine's The Four Temperaments (1946) is a groundbreaking ballet set to Paul Hindemith's "Theme with Four Variations," representing the medieval concept of four humors: Melancholic, Sanguinic, Phlegmatic, and Choleric. Houston Ballet premiered it  September 1988.

Experience the brilliance of Balanchine's Jewels  — this captivating ballet showcases three distinct looks, including Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds. Houston Ballet proudly added this iconic work to their repertoire in 2010.

In Balanchine's La Valse, a woman in white is swept away by Death in a haunting waltz. Houston Ballet's production first premiered in 1988, highlights Balanchine's signature neoclassical style and dramatic storytelling.

Balanchine's Pas de Dix premiered at New York City Ballet in 1955. It's a vibrant showcase of classical technique set to Glazunov's music. Houston Ballet first performed Pas de Dix around 1969, featuring Judith Aaen and Anthony Sellers.

Balanchine's Prodigal Son, from 1929, is a dramatic narrative ballet depicting a tale of sin and redemption. Since 1974, Houston Ballet has a history of performing this powerful work, showcasing its compelling storyline and demanding male lead role.

Balanchine's Serenade, his first ballet choreographed in America (1934), is a neoclassical masterpiece set to Tschaikovsky's score. Its iconic blue-tulle costumes and innovative use of stage events from rehearsals make it timeless. Houston Ballet first performed Serenade in 1983.

Balanchine's Stars and Stripes, a tribute to his adopted homeland, is a vibrant, patriotic ballet set to John Philip Sousa's marches. Houston Ballet premiered this iconic work in 2023, adding its spirited choreography and dazzling formations to their repertoire.

Balanchine's Symphony in C, originally Le Palais de Cristal, premiered in Paris in 1947. This grand work highlights dazzling classical technique to Bizet's score. Houston Ballet first performed it on September 10, 1992, showcasing the company's strength in classical ensemble work.

Balanchine's Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux (1960), using "lost" music from Swan Lake, was first performed by Houston Ballet in 1970, showcasing the company's technical prowess and adding this brilliant gem to its Balanchine repertoire.

Balanchine's Theme and Variations (1947), set to Tschaikovsky, is a classical showcase of imperial ballet. Houston Ballet premiered it in 1985 and frequently performs this masterful work, including in their upcoming 2025 season, highlighting their classical strength.

Balanchine's Waltz and Variations, often part of a larger work or referred to as "Raymonda Variations," premiered in 1961. Houston Ballet first performed this work in 1971, showcasing its brilliant classical choreography and the company's commitment to Balanchine's legacy.

Balanchine's Western Symphony (1954) is a lively, Americana-themed ballet featuring cowboys and dance hall girls set to folk tunes. Houston Ballet first performed this spirited work in 1986, showcasing Balanchine's playful nod to the American West.