Lauren Strongin

The latest program in San Francisco Ballet’s 2021 digital season is the glorious return of George Balanchine’s Jewels. BroadwayWorld reviews the thrilling production now streaming through April 21, 2021.

There is a lot to love in San Francisco Ballet’s recently unveiled Program 03 of mixed repertoire, even if it takes a bit of a dip in the middle. The program gets off to a smashing start with Alexei Ratmansky’s Symphony #9, which is part of his justly celebrated Shostakovich Trilogy. Next up is Danielle Rowe's world premiere dance film 'Wooden Dimes' set in the world of 1920's vaudeville. The program comes to a rousing close with Yuri Possokhov's 'Swimmer' an imaginative take on the John Cheever short story. Program 03 is available to stream through March 24th.

Just in time for the opening production of the Houston Ballet 2015-2016 season, the sensuous romance MANON, BroadwayWorld.com releases its discussion with Stanton Welch. In the interview, Welch talks family, career, and love. Family, career, and love at the Houston Ballet, of course.

Melody Mennite, who portrays Katherina in Houston Ballet's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, was given the responsibility of bringing emotional content to senseless violence and etching butt kicking into your memory. As you'll see in our discussion, she worked very hard before she delivered.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - From November 28 - December 28, 2014, Houston Ballet celebrates the holidays with Ben Stevenson's breathtaking production of The Nutcracker, seen by over 1,000,000 people since its premiere 27 years ago. The beloved ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. She encounters the frightful King Rat before embarking on a wondrous journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Young and old alike will experience the many special effects, including the Christmas tree which "grows" to 40 feet, 200 pounds of "snow" falling during the snow scene, and the firing of cannon onstage. Houston Ballet will give 35 performances of The Nutcracker, to a live orchestra, in the Brown Theater at Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. Tickets may be purchased by calling 713-227-2787 or logging on to www.houstonballet.org.

In this Broadway World interview, I have a very serious conversation with Lauren Strongin, soloist for the Houston Ballet. Really folks, I just could not think of one joke. But, this interview doesn't need my comedy. Lauren and I discussed FROM HOUSTON TO THE WORLD, in which she dances in all four pieces, overcoming injury, and making the move from Sarasota, Florida to Houston, Texas.

In celebration of Stanton Welch's tenth anniversary as Artistic Director at Houston Ballet, the company is presenting a mixed repertory program that showcases his work as a choreographer. Across the three acts, audiences are treated to stunningly beautiful stage pictures, fascinating movement, and breathtaking feats of agility and poise. With their THE YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA program, Houston Ballet splendidly illustrates why Houston is truly to lucky to have Stanton Welch in our city.

On Monday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., costumed dancers from Houston Ballet's production of Aladdin will make a special visit to Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers. This month, Houston Ballet will present eight performances of Aladdin at the Wortham Theater Center February 20 - March 2, and the dancers want to bring the magic of the performance to children who may not have the opportunity to see the production. Houston Ballet principal Melody Mennite, principal Joseph Walsh, soloist Nao Kusuzaki, soloist Lauren Strongin, and corps de ballet dancers Katelyn May, Aria Alekzander, and Aaron Sharratt will participate in this event.

On Monday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., costumed dancers from Houston Ballet's production ofAladdin will make a special visit to Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers. This month, Houston Ballet will present eight performances of Aladdin at the Wortham Theater Center February 20 – March 2, and the dancers want to bring the magic of the performance to children who may not have the opportunity to see the production. Houston Ballet principal Melody Mennite, principal Joseph Walsh, soloist Nao Kusuzaki, soloist Lauren Strongin, and corps de ballet dancers Katelyn May, Aria Alekzander, and Aaron Sharratt will participate in this event.

The Houston Ballet is notorious for providing audiences with top-notch productions and a supremely talented company. Launching into their 2013-2014 season, Houston Ballet opens with FOUR PREMIERES. Consisting of one American premiere and three world premieres, FOUR PREMIERES is a wonderful evening of dance, with works choreographed by Chrisopher Bruce, Melissa Hough, Garrett Smith, and James Kudelka.

The Houston Ballet is known for its elaborate and beautiful productions. Every ticket purchased guarantees a performance filled with masterful dancing, brilliant choreography, remarkable sets, and music. Houston Ballet's much anticipated production of PETER PAN is no exception and nothing short of fantastic. Although many of us are familiar with the tale and have possibly seen it on film or stage, Houston Ballet makes it their own with whimsical choreography by Trey McIntyre and a dance company that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with every move. Set to the magical score by Sir Edward Elgar, arranged by Niel DePonte, PETER PAN draws the audience into the journey of Peter Pan and the Darling children as it creates a visual adventure that is ideal for both the young and the young at heart.

The Houston Ballet organization is imbued with talent from top to bottom. Last year, they organized an event in which the dancers got to experiment and begin growing their own individual choreographic voices. Thursday, December 13, 2012 was their second event with this goal in mind. A small, invitation only audience was treated to an evening of fantastic talent on display in 14 world première ballets by names that are sure to leave a lasting impression on the world of dance.