HOUSTON — The Houston Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker has become a cherished holiday tradition for families across the city.
Artistic Director Stanton Welch brought his vision to life in 2016 when he created a reimagined version of the beloved ballet.
“It becomes a true family experience,” Welch said. “You see it, grow up with it, and bring your children and grandchildren. I love that.”
Welch’s connection to The Nutcracker runs deep. He was born into a ballet family in Australia and his parents even performed in The Nutcracker.
Stanton's parents were his first teachers when he started dancing at 16.
After performing as a dancer in Australia and San Francisco, Welch transitioned to running the show and created his first ballet at just 22 years old.
"In the audience, I love the feeling of it, you can tell the success of the show by if the audience is paying attention, see people crying or laughing," Stanton said when asked where he sat on the opening night of his production.
In 2016, Welch created his own version of The Nutcracker, a story that has enchanted audiences for more than 200 years.
With his approach, he decided to lean into the show's traditions, while giving the characters more depth.
“When you put together a program, you are charged by your imagination,” Welch said. “Especially creating a ballet... you have to get to a place of freedom, explore and explore, and if it takes seed, then you know there is a project there.”
The Nutcracker runs through December 29 at the Wortham Theater Center.