The Houston Ballet's beautiful new Romeo and Juliet will soon premiere Melbourne. Read our sneak preview!The man on the reception of my Houston hotel had a classic Texan twang. “That’s a purrty passport!” he said, admiring the Australian coat of arms. “Thank you,” I replied. “That’s a kangaroo and facing it on the other side…” “Is an ostrich!” he exclaimed. “Emu,” I corrected. “Emoo? Don’t they have really big eggs?” I had to confess I didn’t know how big emu eggs were. “Australians don’t really eat them, though we do eat roo.” After a brief discussion on the culinary virtues of Australian cuisine, we finished our transaction. “Welcome to Hooston!” he said. I was in Houston to review the premiere of the Houston Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. The new production is by Australian Stanton Welch, Houston Ballet’s artistic director, now in his 12th year with the company and much admired for his fertile brain and fierce work ethic. Welch is also resident choreographer of the Australian Ballet – most recently it presented his sumptuous La Bayadere. Now Australia is to see the entire Houston Ballet performing this new Romeo and Juliet in an exclusive season in Melbourne. . . .This is an extract from Karen van Ulzen's account of her visit to Houston in the June/July issue of Dance Australia magazine.How could you miss it? Buy it from your favourite magazine retailer or subscribe here, or purchase an online copy via the Dance Australia app.Pictured: The Houston Ballet's Karina Gonzalez and Connor Walsh in rehearsal.
The Houston Ballet's Karina Gonzalez and Connor Walsh in rehearsal.
