The Magic of Dance Comes Alive in This Houston Ballet Jubilee

You didn’t have to know a pirouette from a plié to have fallen in love with Houston Ballet at the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance performance at Wortham Theater Center. With the company presenting magical excerpts from its varied repertoire and its principals’ delivering exhilarating performances, it was impossible to be unimpressed.

This once-a-year evening celebrating the full depth of Houston Ballet talent is a joy for all, whether seasoned balletomanes or newcomers to the art form. Who would not love the showcase of talent amid pieces from both signature works and classics?

Even though the hour was late when the stage was handsomely transformed into a glamorous dining salon, guests maintained lively enthusiasm as they made their way to their tables, many of which enjoyed the company of the dancers and artistic staff.

Following the performance, dinner chairs Cabrina and Steven Owsley led the cocktail-attired throng of more than 200 to the stage where a resplendent blue and white cloud scene from The Nutcracker provided a backdrop to the Bergner & Johnson dinner set. Tables were draped in shimmering gold and centered with vibrant floral centerpieces, candles flickered and staff from Jackson and Company delivered a scrumptious dinner.

Joining the Owsleys on center stage was Margaret Alkek Williams for whom the evening is named due to her continuous generosity to the ballet.

On stage: Houston Ballet artistic director Stanton Welch, ballet executive director Jim Nelson, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan, Allison and Troy Thacker, Kelley and Stephen Lubanko, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Hallie Vanderhider, Leigh Smith, Ann Trammell, Diane Lokey Farb, Jay Jones, Melza and Ted Barr, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, and Kris and Richard McGee.