Best Dancers

Barbara Bears and Andrew MurphyWhat a way to bounce back after a baby. Barbara Bears returned to Houston Ballet's stage this season after a two-year hiatus, and she's looking stronger than ever, and her dancing is consequently more expressive. For fans who thought they had seen the last of Bears, her comeback has been a blessing, as has the Aussie influence at the company. New head honcho Stanton Welch has brought with him some wonderful boy dancers, in particular the strapping Andrew Murphy. This lad looks as good in Balanchine as he does Petipa. Please, Mr. Welch, give us more pairings of these principals; they are the dynamic dancing duo.