Founded in 1976, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre strives to be a destination for artists and audiences seeking a highly unique and evolutionary performance experience which combines the rich heritage of the classics with the excitement and limitless possibilities of contemporary dance, theatre and performance art. The company produces a season each year in its performing residence, the University of Houston–Clear Lake, which includes an eclectic array of classical ballet, contemporary dance and a musical. BAHBT was founded by Lynette Mason Gregg and unfortunately the Clear Lake community lost this artistic visionary but her vision of the arts is clearly ongoing in our community.
Besides full stage productions, the company performs at various local events such as the Panhellenic, Go Texan, Macy’s, and Lunar Rendezvous fashion shows, Bay Area Turning Point, Education Foundation events, Mardi Gras Balls, and many events in the Houston area. Appearances at these and other community events are done on a pro bono basis to demonstrate the company’s support and interest in collaborative projects and interactive experiences that are mutually beneficial for both organizations and particularly the entire Bay Area Houston.
Since its beginning, BAHBT has brought many world renown performing artists and choreographers to work and perform with the company. The 2003-2004 season marked the evolution of the company with the addition of professional dancers to the roster. Each year these high caliber performers stretch the growth of the company and provide the professionalism needed to take BAHBT to the next level.
The most significant artistic advance came when Nelson Madrigal was appointed BAHBT’s Ballet Master. Madrigal and his beautiful wife, Lorna Feijóo, performed with BAHBT for four seasons as guest artists. In addition to an impressive and highly regarded career with the Boston Ballet, these two relocated from Boston to the Houston area-Mr. Madrigal to become BAHBT’s artistic director, and Ms. Feijóo to open The Feijóo Ballet School, which is the training ground for many of our company dancers.
BAHBT Associate Artistic Director Natalie Zundel has deep roots with BAHBT. She performed with the company from a young age, became one of their first full-time professional Artists in Residence and came full circle becoming the associate artistic director in June of 2016.
Each year, BAHBT creates a season to entice our community and showcase the arts. Our 2018-2019 season “Deep Roots, New Branches” will not disappoint! Parisian Night/Ballet Bites was a complete sell out last week and highlighted the strength of our dancers, as well as our season. The ballet’s annual fund raiser, Breakfast with the Sugar Plum Fairy will be held on November 17th at South Shore Harbour Resort to a sellout crowd. The Nutcracker opens on Nov. 30 with 14 performances. In February, the company will present the classical ballet, La Sylphide.
The highlight of the season will be the ballet’s partnership with the Bayou Theater at UHCL and full stage musical Willy Wonka, directed by Alex Malone in April.
BAHBT is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to bringing cultural enrichment to Bay Area Houston while providing an incubator for the aspiring artists of tomorrow.
Support from many city entities such as The City of Houston, Nassau Bay, League City, Seabrook, and Webster, the Houston Arts Alliance, Lunar Rendezvous Festival, George and Mary Josephine Hammon Foundation, as well as our wonderful community, be it financial donations, attendance at performances or participation in our annual fund raising events, is greatly appreciated.
Please visit our web site www.bahbt.org for further information, ticket sales or to make a donation!
By Ellen King and Mary Alys Cherry
