NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH
JILL REASON Executive Director Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre
BAY AREA HOUSTON BALLET & THEATRE
Bay Area Houston Ballet
& Theatre strives to be a destination for artists and audiences seeking a unique 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 their performing residence , the University of Houston – Clear Lake , and the work of this organization is crucial to bringing the arts to the south side of Houston .
One of our biggest assets is the notoriety we have as being “ the community ballet ” for our area by performing , on a pro bono basis , regularly at local events . These are done to demonstrate the company ’ s support and interest in collaborative projects .
Since its beginning , BAHBT has brought many world renown performing artists and choreographers to work and perform . The 2003 season marked the evolution of the company with the addition of hiring 5 professional dancers . The appointed of Luis Fuente from Joffrey Ballet as BAHBT ’ s Ballet Master in 2008 propelled us artistically . The 2015 season marked another milestone in BAHBT history . The world renowned ballet luminary , Nelson Madrigal , officially joined BAHBT in 2015 as its Artistic Director . Nelson , his wife Lorna Feijoo , Natalie Zundel , and Lorena Feijoo make up our Artistic Staff and train our dancers with the utmost expectations .
In keeping with the mission of providing diversified performances , as well as opportunities for aspiring Broadway bound dancers , BAHBT has
34 MOMENTUM included musicals in their repertoire .
Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre is so excited in the midst of COVID-19 to continue bringing the arts to our community . While the pandemic has created many challenges , it also has inspired extraordinary levels of compassion , creativity and collaboration .
The support of our community has been overwhelming . Although ticket sales will be down , our donations are higher proving the belief that the arts are important and necessary in our ever changing society . We thank each and every patron !
Creative thinking is also leading to new opportunities – big and small . We ’ re thankful more than ever before for our amazing artistic staff and army of volunteers that have tirelessly planned , pivoted and planned some more to make sure safely was our first priority . Just like most things in life , it takes a village and we ’ d like to shine a light on ours .
We have learned that in order to thrive , we must have established relationships . Collaboration has been a COVID-19 lifeline for us . Demonstrating a shared purpose as well as an understanding of goals in this situation are lessons that continue to building our credibility . BAHBT is proud to be a conduit for lessons learned , new ideas and innovative solutions that move the arts beyond crisis mode and into a sustainable future together .
BAHBT is proud to continue its long-standing commitment to bringing cultural enrichment to Bay Area Houston while providing tutelage for the aspiring artists of tomorrow .
Caitlin Cannon Photography