With Body, Soul & Gershwin, a sweeping program that zips from ’40s-era theatricality to neoclassical moodiness, the Houston Ballet not only launches its 2010-2011 season but also welcomes a new principal dancer, Jun Shuang Huang from China. Huang and company will dance two ballets by Artistic Director Stanton Welch: The Core: Gershwin, the Heart of the Big Apple, set in ’40s New York and featuring sailors on leave and Marilyn-esque movie star wannabes, and Tu Tu, which examines the life of the ballerina with the help of metallic tutus inspired by the work of Klimt. In a preview video, Welch called the two very different, but said they were paired for that reason: “The Core is based on a plot, on following characters,” he said, “and Tu Tu is based on movement and shape and difficulty.” Rounding things out is the neoclassical Forgotten Land by Czech icon Jirย Kyliรกn, adding a dose of drama to an otherwise glam and glitzy affair. 7:30 p.m. on September 9, 11, 17, 18; 2ย p.m. on September 12 and 19. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas. For information, call 713-227-2787 or visit www.houstonballet.org. $18 to $148.
Thu., Sept. 9; Sat., Sept. 11; Sun., Sept. 12; Fri., Sept. 17; Sat., Sept. 18; Sun., Sept. 19, 2010
This article appears in Sep 9-15, 2010.