Houston Ballet has announced a bold and expansive 2026–2027 season, balancing major classical narratives with mixed repertory programs and two world premieres.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Julie Kent and Artistic Director Stanton Welch, the company will present six programs at the Wortham Theater Center, foregrounding both its narrative strengths and its appetite for new work.
“This season reflects the full breadth of what Houston Ballet is — and where we’re going,” Kent said. “We are honoring the great choreographic voices that have shaped our art form, from Balanchine and MacMillan to Lubovitch and Peck, while simultaneously opening the door to new creative possibilities through world premieres and bold collaborations.”
A Season Of Range And Scale
Houston Ballet opens with Pecos Bill (September 11–20, 2026), a mixed repertory program combining Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante, Lar Lubovitch’s Meadow and Welch’s Americana-infused Pecos Bill. The inclusion of Meadow marks the company’s first collaboration with Lubovitch.
Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon follows (September 24 – October 4, 2026), returning to Houston with its emotionally charged portrait of love and moral compromise. First performed by the company in 1994, the ballet remains a cornerstone of its dramatic repertoire.
In February 2027, Houston Ballet premieres what is arguably its most anticipated undertaking of the season: Where’s Alice? (February 25 – March 7, 2027), a new full-length work by Welch inspired by Lewis Carroll’s iconic tale. Conceived as an immersive theatrical experience, the production promises cutting-edge audio-visual design and a reimagined journey down the rabbit hole.
“Where’s Alice? is an example of that vision – a production that pushes the boundaries of ballet through immersive sets and thought-provoking storytelling that makes you question, ‘Who in the world am I?’ as Alice did,” Welch said. “It’s work like this that allows us to welcome new audiences into the theater while continuing to challenge and inspire our longtime supporters.”
March sees the return of Madame Butterfly (March 11–21, 2027), set to Puccini’s sweeping score, continuing Houston Ballet’s tradition of large-scale narrative works that prioritise emotional clarity and theatrical detail.
The penultimate program, The Rite of Spring (May 27 – June 6, 2027), is a contemporary-leaning mixed bill featuring Justin Peck’s Reflections, a world premiere by Houston Ballet company member Jacquelyn Long, and Welch’s own interpretation of Stravinsky’s seismic score.
The season concludes with Swan Lake (June 10–27, 2027), Welch’s production of the classical masterwork, first staged by the company in 2006. Its extended engagement underscores Houston Ballet’s continued investment in full-length classical storytelling at scale.
2026–2027 Season At A Glance
All performances take place at the Wortham Theater Center, Houston.
-
Pecos Bill (Mixed Repertory) | September 11–20, 2026
-
Manon | September 24 – October 4, 2026
-
Where’s Alice? (World Premiere) | February 25 – March 7, 2027
-
Madame Butterfly | March 11–21, 2027
-
The Rite of Spring (Mixed Repertory) | May 27 – June 6, 2027
-
Swan Lake | June 10–27, 2027
Further details, including casting and creative teams, will be announced in due course.
For more information, visit houstonballet.org.