Houston Ballet Presents In The Night, a Captivating Triple Bill from February 27-March 9, 2025
Stories by Stanton Welch AM, Jerome Robbins, & Lila York at The Wortham Center
Performances are 7:30 p.m. on February 27 and March 1 & 7-8, 2025; 2 p.m. on March 2 & 9, 2025
Houston Ballet will present In the Night, a mesmerizing triple bill that brings together three compelling ballets blending classical elegance and contemporary vitality from February 27 through March 9, 2025.
The program includes 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.
Maninyas: Choreographer: Stanton Welch AM | Music: Ross Edwards
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.
In the Night: Choreographer: Jerome Robbins | Music: Frédéric Chopin
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.
“Jerome Robbins choreographed several of his most beloved works to Chopin’s nocturnes,” said Julie Kent, Artistic Director at Houston Ballet. “The music and dance offer a nuanced and poetic form of storytelling that speak to artists and audiences alike.” This poignant work returns to Houston Ballet’s stage, embodying Robbins’s lasting legacy as a pioneering force in dance.
Celts: Choreographer: Lila York | Music: The Chieftains, Mason Daring, William J. Ruyle, Bill Whelan, & Celtic Thunder
Lila York’s Celts is a vibrant fusion of Irish folk dance and ballet, an exuberant homage to Irish heritage. Originally premiering with Boston Ballet in 1996, the piece combines traditional Celtic music with dynamic choreography, celebrating the cultural roots that inspired its creation. With its lively spirit and intricate movements, Celts promises to captivate audiences with its bold energy and heartfelt celebration of identity.
It features lively and evocative music by The Chieftains, the renowned Irish folk band celebrated for their signature sound built around uilleann pipes. Audiences can look forward to traditional favorites from albums like Treasure Island, The Chieftains: Reel Music, and The Long Black Veil, delivering the spirited essence of Ireland in every note.
Tickets: Visit www.houstonballet.org
Photos courtesy of the Houston Ballet