Houston Ballet Announces First-Ever Co-Artistic Director

Houston Ballet Announces First-Ever Co-Artistic Director

Julie Kent (photo by Jayme Thornton, courtesy of The Washington Ballet)

THE BELOVED STANTON Welch of the Houston Ballet officially has a new counterpart in Julie Kent, named the company's first-ever co-artistic director today.


The longest-serving ballerina in American Ballet Theatre, Kent arrives in Houston in July 2023 from DC, where she currently serves as the artistic director of The Washington Ballet. She's been there since 2016, and in that time has commissioned 26 world premieres by 17 different choreographers.

"Not only is Julie Kent ballet royalty and immensely talented—both as a dancer, coach, stager and teacher — but there is no one I would rather have as a partner to bring Houston Ballet into this next chapter,” said Welch in a statement. He previously worked with Kent during her time at American Ballet Theatre, when she danced in his productions Clear and Carmina Burana. “I very much look forward to what will be a highly collaborative experience that will only elevate what Houston Ballet can achieve, both artistically and as an organization.”

Kent and her husband, Victor Barbee, who is The Washington Ballet's Associate Artistic Director, have two children, and have also created important works together. (Their staging of The Sleeping Beauty was described by the New York Times as “one of the world’s finer Sleeping Beauties.”) They will relocate to Houston together next summer.

Art + Entertainment
Consistent Focus on the Patient Is What Sets Montrose Med Spa Apart

Owner Maricela Olivo and Montrose Med Spa

WHAT MAKES MONTROSE Med Spa stand apart from the competition? We set ourselves apart from the competition by being consistently focused on one thing: the patient. With that focus, we will succeed in a successful and healthy experience and loyalty to Montrose Med Spa. Staying true to our message of intentional wellness is a point of difference where I see other spas being unclear and distracted in their direction. By listening to our patients, we ensure we meet and exceed their expectations. We continually stay on top of the market by offering the best innovative body sculpting and skin treatments that invigorate and energize and are specifically designed to restore balance and strength and renew youth to the body. We also utilize a number of marketing programs to stay on the minds of our guests, including radio, TV, direct mail, email blasts, and unique invitations for exclusive treatments. One element that helps to establish the bar and sets us apart from our competition is our emphasis on providing a complete medical gym experience—from the varied treatments with Emsculpt Neo to a personalized health and wellness and skin evaluation for each individual by our certified staff. We also provide a noninvasive, pain-free, and needle-free facelift through EMFace in addition to offering monthly beauty memberships that create a commitment to the overall wellbeing of the patient.

Keep Reading Show less

Októ cocktails (photo by Becca Wright)

UPTOWN, DOWNTOWN, GALLERIA, Heights, Bellaire or Montrose — wherever you are, here’s where to take the edge off a long day with gently priced eats and drinks. We threw in a suggestion for safe discounted rides, too. Cheers!

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Nancy and Mauricio Dubon

AN ANNUAL EVENT to raise funds for some of the top Astros players’ favorite causes was a glam slam, thanks to a new venue and major league star power.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties