Julia Weber
Staff writer
Houston Ballet II is set to take the stage at 8:15 p.m. tonight in the Amphitheater.
The company will perform tonight in addition to an upcoming performance on Saturday evening with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Academy Director Jennifer Sommers is thrilled to bring the company to Chautauqua for the two performances.
She said the performances will highlight the diversity of ballet shown in the programs developed by artistic director and esteemed ballet dancer Stanton Welch.
Sommers said Welch’s curated programs demonstrate not just the versatility of ballet, but the strength and athleticism that the art form requires. The selection of pieces will “demonstrate the versatility of our dancers,” Sommers said.
This evening’s performance includes an array of pieces that showcase the company’s technical skill in both very traditional pieces, as well as more contemporary work.
Music for tonight’s performance will include traditional classical arrangements as well as contemporary compositions, and ranges from Bach to Moby, according to Sommers.
Chautauquans will see Houston Ballet II push the boundaries of the genre, Sommers said, and each of the pieces presented have the potential to be someone’s favorite.
Sommers said the performance will be eye-opening, enlightening “amazed” audience members in regard to the skill, technical proficiency and artistry required of dancers.
She added that the broad range of repertory that the dancers in the company learn helps them to grow as dancers and enhance their performance abilities.
“One of the things that distinguishes Houston Ballet Academy and Houston Ballet II is our commitment to performance training,” she said. “Our dancers learn and perform a broad range of repertory and roles, and this prepares them for professional careers.”
Sommers said Chautauquans will “take away a new appreciation for the breadth of ballet as an art form and a new understanding of the amazing things that are happening in Houston.”
She said the city has a vibrant, dynamic and thriving arts community, which has had a major role in producing such talented and skilled dancers.
“Chautauquans will be watching the future of ballet,” Sommers said.
