Artistic Director Stanton Welch is celebrating his 10th year with Houston Ballet. In 2003 Stanton Welch assumed leadership of Houston Ballet, America’s fourth largest classical ballet company, as artistic director. Mr. Welch has created works for such prestigious international companies as Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet. Since he took the helm of the company, Mr. Welch has revitalized Houston Ballet, bringing in new dancers and attracting a top-flight artistic staff. His vast international reputation has drawn spectacular new works to Houston Ballet. Mr. Welch was born in Melbourne to Marilyn Jones, O.B.E., and Garth Welch, A.M., two of Australia’s most gifted dancers of the 1960s and 1970s.
Houston Methodist was named the “Official Health Care Provider for Houston Ballet” in 2006 – an unprecedented Houston partnership. Methodist provides services annually for Houston Ballet as part of the comprehensive partnership. The agreement gives Houston Ballet dancers full access to physicians, nurses and staff who specialize in treating professional dancers. “When you need to be on stage and a medical emergency arises, you can’t wait two weeks for a doctor’s appointment,” said Dr. Kevin Varner, an orthopedic surgeon in CPAM who provides a bi-monthly health clinic for ballet dancers.
Methodist’s services include:
♦ Complete pre-season physicals for each company and HBII member
♦ Assignment of a full-time athletic trainer and part-time massage therapist
♦ Priority access to Methodist’s physicians in order to keep the dancers healthy and on the stage
♦ Develop injury prevention and training programs as well as conditioning and flexibility training
♦ Flu shots each fall to dancers and staff
♦ Nutrition services to the company and Academy students
♦ Financial support via sponsorship of The Nutcracker
♦ Board service of a Methodist staff member
The black-tie gala will feature a gourmet dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Funds raised support Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography and education.
Individual tickets are $1,500 and $2,500. Tables start at $12,500. For ticket reservations or information: Suzie Cadey 713 535.3230 or scadey@houstonballet.org
