Ben Stevenson News

April 26, 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. In honor of this milestone in world culture, Houston Ballet will present dance interpretations of great Shakespearean works by choreographers from three continents: a lavish new production of Romeo and Juliet by Stanton Welch; the company premiere of John Neumeier's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and a revival of John Cranko's The Taming of the Shrew.

Paola Hartley and Astrit Zejnati, principal dancers of Ballet Arizona, will be members of the faculty for the Shreveport Dance Academy's Summer Intensive from July 28-August 1, 2014 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

On Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 at 1:30 p.m., Houston Ballet II and the entire school will present its 2014 Spring Showcase in the Cullen Theater at Wortham Theater Center in downtown Houston. Tickets start at $28 and may be purchased by calling 713 227 ARTS (713 227 2787) or online at www.houstonballet.org. All proceeds raised by the performances will benefit Houston Ballet Academy.

The 2014-2015 Season marks a milestone for Oregon Ballet Theatre as it celebrates a quarter century of entertaining, exciting, and inspiring audiences in Portland and around the world. The 25th Anniversary season will also be the first programmed solely by Artistic Director Kevin Irving, who joined OBT in July 2013. Irving fills the season with nods to an impressive past while offering a clear vision of the company's bright future.

When you are dealing with one of the most beloved children's love stories of all time, there is a delicate balance between the story and the dance.

GINGER THATCHER, former principal dancer of the Cleveland Ballet and former soloist of the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, and PHILLIP BROOMHEAD, former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and the Houston Ballet, will members of the faculty for the Goh Ballet Academy's Summer Program in Vancouver, Canada from July 7-August 9, 2014.

Colorado Ballet will present the classic fairy tale Cinderella, February 14-23, 2014 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House with choreography by Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. and music by Sergei Prokofiev, performed live music by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. Scroll down for a first look at the dancers!

HOUSTON -- On Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the 2013 Houston Cinema Arts Festival will present the world premiere of a new documentary on the rich five-decade history of Houston Ballet – Houston Ballet: Breaking Boundaries – at 4:00 p.m. An encore screening of the film will be held at Sundance Cinemas on Monday, Nov. 11 at 6:45 p.m. Both screenings are free and open to the public. No advance tickets will be issued. Attendees should arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the screening for the best chance of being seated.

On Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the 2013 Houston Cinema Arts Festival will present the world premiere of a new documentary on the rich five-decade history of Houston Ballet – Houston Ballet: Breaking Boundaries – at 4:00 p.m. An encore screening of the film will be held at Sundance Cinemas on Monday, Nov. 11 at 6:45 p.m. Both screenings are free and open to the public. No advance tickets will be issued. Attendees should arrive at the venue 30 minutes prior to the screening for the best chance of being seated.

Abi Morgan won the 2013 Emmy for OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A MINISERIES, MOVIE OR A DRAMATIC SPECIAL for THE HOUR.