Founded in 1968, Houston Ballet continues to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography and superb educational programs. With over 50 years of rich history, Houston Ballet is the country’s fourth-largest ballet Company with a budget of $41.2 million and an endowment of $110.8 million (as of July 2024). In addition to performing regularly at the Wortham Theater Center, Houston Ballet's reach is global, touring theaters in Dubai, London, Paris, Moscow, Spain, Montréal, Ottawa, Melbourne, Tokyo and more.

Houston Ballet is led by Artistic Directors Stanton Welch AM (since 2003) and Julie Kent (since 2023). Welch continues the legacy of Houston Ballet being a choreographic Eden by commissioning over 30 works from world-renowned choreographers, including Kylián, MacMillan, Neumeier, and Robbins, as well as creating 43 new works, including the recent World Premiere of Raymonda. Sonja Kostich serves as the administrative leader of the organization, a position she assumed in August 2025.

Beyond its stage presence, Houston Ballet maintains a strong foothold in continuing to foster a love for dance in future generations. Its Education and Community Engagement program reaches more than 85,000 individuals in the Houston area annually. Houston Ballet Academy trains more than 1,000 students every year, producing more than 60 percent of the extraordinary artists that comprise Houston Ballet’s current Company.

For more information on Houston Ballet, visit houstonballet.org/explore/history.