Houston Ballet’s 2026–27 Season is an invitation to believe—in the power of storytelling, the beauty of movement, and the shared magic of live performance.
This season brings cherished classics and bold new visions to the stage. From the timeless romance of Swan Lake to the long-awaited return of fan-favorites and the premiere of bold new works, the season is brimming with works that evoke moments that move, inspire, and stay with you after the curtain falls.
Wortham Theater Center | September 11–20, 2026
George Balanchine’s Symphonie Concertante makes its long-awaited Houston Ballet debut. Set to Mozart’s radiant score, this neoclassical jewel pairs classical technique with sweeping ensemble patterns that shimmer with brilliant elegance.
Lar Lubovitch’s Meadow is harmonious and hypnotic, inviting audiences to discover their own meaning within its shifting landscapes of movement. Meadow holds special significance for Artistic Director Julie Kent, who danced in the original cast at American Ballet Theatre in 1999. This Houston Ballet premiere—and the Company’s first work by Lubovitch—marks both an artistic landmark and a personal return.
Stanton Welch’s Pecos Bill is a vibrant, theatrical work filled with humor, heart, and frontier spirit while exploring the poignant romance between the legendary cowboy and his beloved Sluefoot Sue. With playful choreography, tall-tale flair, and a distinctly Texas charm, this revival brings back one of Welch’s most endearing creations.
Wortham Theater Center | September 24–October 4, 2026
Created during Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s tenure as The Royal Ballet’s Artistic Director, this production reflects a rich artistic legacy. An intense tale of passion, desire, and devastating consequence, Manon remains one of the greatest drama ballets of all time. Set to a masterful arrangement of music by Jules Massenet, the story follows the captivating Manon and her devoted Des Grieux as they are drawn into a world of luxury, temptation, and heartbreak.
The Nutcracker
Wortham Theater Center | November 27–December 28, 2026
Houston’s ultimate holiday tradition returns in Stanton Welch’s spectacular production, featuring dazzling sets, glittering costumes, and more than 300 Academy students performing alongside the professional company. A cherished experience for families and first-time visitors alike, The Nutcracker continues to enchant with its magic and wonder.Â
Step into a glittering holiday dream as Clara embarks on a wondrous adventure with Drosselmeyer, the Prince, and Sugar Plum Fairy. From the swirling enchantment of the Land of Snow to the radiant splendor of the Kingdom of Sweets, each moment sparkles with whimsical characters who bring this family-friendly story to life.Â
Wortham Theater Center | February 25–March 7, 2027
Scroll, click, tap, like, repeat. Outside of that, who are you? Journey down the rabbit hole and into Artistic Director Stanton Welch’s vibrant new full-length ballet, Where’s Alice? In a modern world where screens never sleep, Alice ventures into a strange, mercurial realm teeming with fantastical characters inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories—driven by a pulsing tapestry of film scores by Grammy Award–winning composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails. From the team that brought you Sylvia and The Nutcracker, Where’s Alice? toes the line between reality and fantasy, inviting you to answer: who in the world am I?
Wortham Theater Center | March 11–21, 2027
One of Stanton Welch’s most powerful works and his first full-length ballet returns to the Wortham Theater stage after more than a decade. Madame Butterfly was originally choreographed in 1995 for The Australian Ballet. Set to Puccini’s powerful score, this production is a stunning achievement in neoclassical ballet and remains an international success, with performances across three continents.
A poignant tale of love, hope, and sacrifice, Madame Butterfly follows a beautiful Japanese geisha who gives up her faith and family to marry an American naval lieutenant. Exquisite choreography paired with picturesque sets and costumes by Peter Farmer evokes the mystery and languor of 19th-century Japan. The culmination of the production draws audiences into Cio-Cio San’s emotional journey with striking intimacy and intensity.
Wortham Theater Center | May 27–June 6, 2027
Created on Houston Ballet in 2019 and returning for the first time, Justin Peck’s Reflections is an intimate, abstract work set to a commissioned two-piano score by Grammy-nominated Sufjan Stevens. One of today’s most sought-after choreographers, the Tony Award–winning Peck balances athleticism with symmetry and beauty in a ballet grounded in classical technique.
Houston Ballet Soloist and Academy alumna Jacquelyn Long makes her mainstage choreographic debut with a world premiere, her first one-act ballet for the Company. Following the bright, joyous success of Illuminate—created for the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance and returning last season—Long brings a fresh, imaginative voice and a deep connection to Houston Ballet.
Stanton Welch’s visceral, pulse-pounding interpretation of Stravinsky’s iconic and widely celebrated score, The Rite of Spring fuses ritual, power, and raw physicality. Featuring paintings by Australian Aboriginal artist Rosella Namok, the work amplifies the music’s explosive energy, creating a striking visual world that heightens the ballet’s elemental force.
Wortham Theater Center | June 10–20, 2027
The world’s most beloved ballet returns to the stage in Stanton Welch’s acclaimed adaptation of Swan Lake. This timeless classic tells the story of Odette, a beautiful maiden transformed into a swan by an evil knight, and the prince who swears his enduring love for her. With expansive choreography, dramatic storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, Swan Lake remains a quintessential experience for ballet lovers, blending timeless beauty with Houston Ballet’s signature emotional depth. A striking battle of good and evil in black and white, the ballet unfolds on rich and spectacular sets by New Zealand-Australian designer Kristian Fredrikson. Welch’s breathtaking adaptation reaffirms why Swan Lake endures as one of the most powerful and visually arresting works in the classical ballet canon.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Season subscriptions are available now.
Single ticket and Nutcracker tickets will go on sale at a later date. Stay tuned!Â
Featured Image: Houston Ballet Principals Jessica Collado and Harper Watters with former Principal Chun Wai Chan in Justin Peck’s Reflections. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2019). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
