Houston Ballet returns to the stage after a year-long live performance hiatus for Houston Ballet Reignited, free at Miller Outdoor Theatre on May 7th and 8th. The world-class ballet company dusts off its pointe shoes to present a multi-media experience complete with live Pas de Deux pieces from iconic ballets alongside Houston Ballet’s dance films produced during the pandemic.
“We hope Houston Ballet Reignited will be a shining beacon of hope for our community that brighter days are ahead,” says Stanton Welch AM, Houston Ballet Artistic Director. “This past year has been devastating for so many. I know I speak for all leaders at Houston Ballet when I say we are incredibly proud of our resilient artists, staff and city. We look forward to being together soon, even if it’s distanced and we can’t see your smiling faces behind your masks.”
Houston Ballet Reignited marks a historic and joyful occasion for the greater Houston Ballet family. Houston Ballet last performed live for the public on March 8, 2020 for its final show of Ben Stevenson’s “The Sleeping Beauty.” Dancers and staff were hours away from opening night of its mixed repertoire, “Forged in Houston,” on March 12 when it was canceled due to the pandemic shutdowns. The non-profit quickly pivoted its focus to engaging social media content while everyone waited to hear more about when live performances could resume. On April 6, 2020, Houston Ballet announced the cancellation of its remaining performances of its golden anniversary 2019-2020 season.
“As artists, performing onstage means we get to share our special moments with the audience,” says Yuriko Kajiya, Houston Ballet Principal Dancer. “This pandemic has been challenging for many of us. We are so grateful to go back onstage, and we look forward to performing for our fans again. We hope to be able to bring everyone some joy through our dancing!”
Houston Ballet Orchestra will open the two shows with live performances. The 21 strings musicians will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” translated to “A Little Night Music.” Ermanno Florio, Music Director and Principal Conductor for Houston Ballet, will conduct both performances.
“We are thrilled to be able to play together again for the public,” says Barbara Shreffler, Houston Ballet Orchestra Violinist. “Music has the ability to heal and inspire, and we welcome this opportunity to share what we love to do with our community.”
Patrons are encouraged to plan ahead to ensure a spot for Houston Ballet Reignited, as seating is limited in compliance with the City of Houston’s restrictions. Tickets will be available online at milleroutdoortheatre.com from 9 a.m. one week prior to the performance date until noon on the day of performance with a limit of 4 tickets per person. Those with disabilities needing assistance with seating and those who do not have access to reserve tickets online, please call 832-487-7123 for help with tickets. Tickets for those reserving via phone can picked up at the box office beginning 90 minutes prior to the performance beginning. Hill seating does not require tickets and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limited number of socially distanced designated “pods” on the hill that accommodate up to 10 people from a single group. Everyone must sit inside a pod, and no more hill seating will be allowed once all pods are taken.
Patrons attending Houston Ballet Reignited must follow all Miller Outdoor Theatre guidelines for safety and performance etiquette. Face coverings are required for all attendees, both in the covered seating areas and on the hill. All ticket holders will have their temperatures checked prior to entry to the covered seated area and will receive a wrist band to indicate screening has taken place. Those with symptoms and temps above 100.4 will be evaluated onsite and may be denied entry. In compliance with City of Houston requirements, those who do not meet the initial medical screening guidelines will be sent to the medical evaluation tent for further screening before being permitted entry. Those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing any signs of illness including cough and fever above 100.4 are asked not to come to the theatre. Cleaning and sanitizing protocols for Miller Outdoor Theatre have been updated along with all the latest disinfecting technologies and compliance with local and CDC guidelines. For more on Miller Outdoor Theatre’s policies, please visit milleroutdoortheatre.com. Additionally, Houston Ballet does not permit photography or videography of its live performances under any circumstances. This policy ensures the safety of its performers and prevents copyright infringement.
For more information about Houston Ballet Reignited performances, please visit houstonballet.org.
