City Ballet of Houston (Margo Marshall School of Ballet)
City Ballet of Houston has been dedicated to supporting youth and community since its inception in 1958. It is recognized as a company that brings quality performances to the community and prepares young dancers for professional careers.
Internationally known Artistic Director Margo Marshall, along with Associate Artistic Director Mary Elizabeth Arrington, and Artistic Advisor Dennis Marshall continue to lead City Ballet of Houston on a path of excellence, consisting of the highest quality of performing and training standards. They are joined by an ever-growing host of renowned Artistic Advisors including Mr. Fredric Franklin, distinguished choreographer and teacher; Ms Anna-Marie Holmes, internationally known principal dancer, teacher and former Artistic Director of Boston Ballet; Mr. Michael Uthoff, Choreographer, former Principal Dancer of Joffrey Ballet and former Artistic Director of Ballet Arizona, Ms. Patricia Wilde, former Principle Dancer and former Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Alun Jones, Choreographer and former Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet.
The Artists-in Residence form the nucleus of City Ballet of Houston. These dancers bring artistic and professional experiences into the company, and provide inspiration and are role models for the other dancers. This combination of experience and youthfulness gives the company a unique personality and a rich educational environment.
Dancers from City Ballet of Houston have joined numerous companies throughout the country including Atlanta Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Ballet Austin, Ballet de Santiago, Boston Ballet, Chicago City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Sacramento Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Tennessee Festival Ballet, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Het National and New York City Ballet . The number of C.B.H. Ex-Dancers that are now Teachers and Directors of their own Schools, and Companies rises each year. City Ballet of Houston produces a variety of performances and educational functions throughout the year in the greater Houston and Galveston areas.
Beginning in 1969 City Ballet of Houston has brought world renowned, teachers and choreographers to Houston, to teach master classes and annual summer workshops for the company. These teachers and choreographers have included Olga Baltacheyeva, Pavel Fomin, Luis Fuente, Anna-Marie Holmes, Alun Jones, Ted Kivett, Elvira Kokorina, John Magnus, Alexander Minz, Yuli Pandi, Michael Phillips, Michael Uthoff, Bruce Wells, Alan Hineline, Roni Mahler, Margo Sappington, Soili Arvola, Leo Ahonen and Robert Underwood, as well as numerous others. (view resumes)
Since 1978 City Ballet of Houston has delighted audiences with their productions of Tchaikovsky’s, “The Nutcracker”, staged by Fredric Franklin.
Starting in 1986 Inner City Productions, Inc., the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Houston Independent School District and the Cultural Arts Council of Houston have sponsored City Ballet of Houston’s “Special Inner City Nutcracker” performances for inner city school children. Every September C.B.H. auditions H.I.S.D. school children in different city parks, for “children’s parts” in the Nutcracker. Within six to eight weeks, children with budding talents are transformed into blossoming artists. Approximately 2500-3000 school children are bused to Jones Hall for the morning performances. The evening shows are free to the public, with tickets available at city parks.
City Ballet of Houston is a non-for-profit organization and depends on public support and philanthropic support. The donations of many hours of service from an active board, along with parents and other volunteers, ensures, the continued success of the company.
City Ballet of Houston is a Charter Member, and an Honor Company of the Regional Dance America/Southwest.