Houston Ballet was founded in 1969 with a mission to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb educational programs. With more than five decades of rich history, Houston Ballet has grown to become the nation’s fourth-largest ballet company, operating with an annual budget of approximately $44 million (FY26) and an endowment of $131 million (as of October 2025). In addition to performing regularly at Houston’s Wortham Theater Center, Houston Ballet’s reach is global—touring theaters in Dubai, London, Paris, Moscow, Spain, Montréal, Ottawa, Melbourne, Tokyo, and beyond.
With artistic direction led by Artistic Directors Stanton Welch AM (since 2003) and Julie Kent (since 2023), and executive leadership provided by Executive Director Sonja Kostich (since 2025), together, they embody Houston Ballet’s commitment to artistic excellence and organizational strength.
Under the direction of the prolific choreographer Welch, Houston Ballet has upheld its reputation as a choreographic Eden, commissioning more than 30 works (as of June 2024) from choreographers such as Annabella Lopez Ochoa, Arthur Pita, Dwight Rhoden, and Justin Peck while premiering 43 of his own creations (as of May 2025), most recently with the World Premiere of the treasured classic Raymonda. He has also brought to Houston the works of world-renowned choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Kenneth MacMillan, and John Neumeier, enriching the city’s cultural landscape and broadening the Company’s artistic reach. Kent’s global perspective as one of America’s most celebrated ballerinas of the 21st century continues to attract the highest-caliber dancers, choreographers, and collaborators from around the world.
Guided by Kostich’s financial and executive expertise, Houston Ballet continues to expand its reach and sustainability through innovative partnerships and strategic growth initiatives—positioning the Company for its next chapter of innovation, excellence, and impact.
Beyond the stage, Houston Ballet fosters a deep and lasting love of dance in future generations. Its Education and Community Engagement programs reach more than 85,000 individuals annually across the Houston area. At the same time, the Houston Ballet Academy trains over 1,000 students each year, producing more than 60 percent of the extraordinary artists who comprise the Company today.
For more information about Houston Ballet, visit houstonballet.org/explore/history.
Photos: Courtesy of Houston Ballet
Photo 1
Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch's Swan Lake.
Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2023).
Photo 2
Houston Ballet Principal Connor Walsh as Romeo and Soloist Aaron Daniel Sharratt as Tybalt with Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch's Romeo and Juliet.
Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox (2023).
Photo 3
Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch's Velocity.
Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2024).
Photo 4
Houston Ballet First Soloist Tyler Donatelli and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch's Divergence.
Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox (2023).
Photo 5
Houston Ballet Principal Skylar Campbell and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s In Good Company.
Photo by Lawrence Elizabeth Knox (2023).
Photo6
Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch's Swan Lake.
Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2023).
