In The Night Experience
Artists of Houston Ballet in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Alana Campbell (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
And so it begins, the Houston Ballet with over 50 years of rich history, the organization has evolved into a company with a budget of $37.6 million and an endowment of $97.5 million (as of June 2023), making it the country’s fourth-largest ballet company. Last week they were proud to present In the Night, a mesmerizing triple act that brought together three compelling ballets blending classical elegance and contemporary vitality.
The program included Stanton Welch’s striking Maninyas, Jerome Robbins’s evocative In the Night, and Lila York’s high-energy Celts. With breathtaking choreography and rich musical scores, this production explores the intricacies of emotional depth, human connection, and cultural celebration.
A masterpiece of romantic nuance, In the Night features three couples whose stories unfold against the backdrop of Chopin’s haunting nocturnes. Premiering in 1970 with New York City Ballet, Jerome Robbins’s one-act ballet masterfully portrays the range of emotions in love—from serenity to intensity and turmoil.
Originally commissioned by San Francisco Ballet, Maninyas is an abstract and radiant exploration of vulnerability and self-revelation within relationships. Set to Ross Edwards’ Maninyas Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, the piece is marked by its lush duets and dynamic movement through shimmering silks.
“The piece is a process of unveiling,” explains Stanton Welch AM, Artistic Director at Houston Ballet. “It examines how, in relationships, you gradually un-layer yourself, and how daunting it is to reveal yourself to another.” Having debuted in 1996 and premiering at Houston Ballet in 2005, Maninyas has become a signature work celebrated for its emotive choreography and exquisite artistry.
It was a mesmerizing experience and we cannot wait to watch The Sleeping Beauty opening on March 13, 2025. For more information on the Houston Ballet Society and upcoming performances please visit houstonballet.org.
Houston Ballet First Soloist Tyler Donatelli and Principal Connor Walsh in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Artists of Houston Ballet in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Alana Campbell (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Maninyas. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet Demi Soloist Rench Soriano in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet Principals Beckanne Sisk and Chase O’Connell in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Alana Campbell (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet Soloist Danbi Kim and First Soloist Harper Watters in Jerome Robbins’ In the Night. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Maninyas. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet Soloist Aoi Fujiwara and First Soloist Harper Watters in Stanton Welch’s Maninyas. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet Soloist Eric Best and Artists of Houston Ballet in Stanton Welch’s Maninyas. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet First Soloist Tyler Donatelli and Principal Connor Walsh in Lila York’s Celts. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2025). Courtesy of Houston Ballet.
