“Ben was more than a mentor to me—he was family. His artistry, his generosity, and his vision shaped not only my own journey as a dancer and leader, but also the very heart of Texas Ballet Theater. I will miss his wisdom, his humor, and his boundless passion for storytelling through dance. While my heart is heavy with grief, I am profoundly grateful for the decades of inspiration and love he shared with me and with this company. His spirit will live on in every performance, every dancer, and every audience moved by his work,” said Tim O’Keefe, Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater.

Born on April 4, 1936, in Portsmouth, England, Stevenson trained at London’s Arts Educational School and was awarded the prestigious Adeline Genee Gold Medal, the highest honor from the Royal Academy of Dancing. By 18, he joined Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet (now The Royal Ballet), working with Sir Frederick Ashton, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, and John Cranko. Later, at Sir Anton Dolin’s invitation, he became a principal dancer with London Festival Ballet, performing leading roles across the classics.

Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

Stevenson’s arrival in the United States in 1968 began an indelible chapter in American ballet. He led Harkness Youth Dancers in New York and co-directed National Ballet in Washington, D.C., choreographing works for the inaugural season of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In 1976, Stevenson became Artistic Director of Houston Ballet. Over 27 years, he transformed it from a small provincial troupe into one of the world’s leading companies, founding Houston Ballet Academy and training generations of dancers including Lauren Anderson, Janie Parker, Carlos Acosta, and Li Cunxin. His promotion of Anderson to principal dancer—the first Black dancer to receive the title at Houston Ballet—in 1990 was a landmark moment in American ballet.

Internationally, Stevenson forged lasting ties with China, beginning with a cultural exchange in 1978. At the Beijing Dance Academy, he was named Honorary Faculty Member—the only foreigner to receive such distinction there and at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music. In 2018, China recognized him as one of the most influential Foreign Experts in 40 years of Reform and Opening Up. He later led Houston Ballet’s historic 1995 tour of China, with opening night televised to more than 500 million viewers.

In 2003, Stevenson became Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater (TBT), ushering in tremendous growth in repertoire, education programs, and international talent. His acclaimed productions—including “Swan Lake”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Cinderella”, “Dracula”, and the beloved parody “The Nutty Nutcracker”—were legendary for their storytelling, wit, and theatrical flair. In 2022, Stevenson was named Artistic Director Laureate in honor of his tenure as TBT’s longest serving artistic director and role in elevating the company as an internationally recognized ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

For his lifetime of achievement, Stevenson was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. He also received three gold medals at the International Ballet Competition (1972, 1982, 1986), the Dance Magazine Award in 2000, and the Texas Medal of Arts in 2005.

Beyond the stage, Stevenson’s generosity and love of community shone brightest at his kitchen table, where he nourished both body and soul while spinning enthralling stories for friends, dancers, and colleagues alike.

Stevenson is survived by extended family in Portsmouth, England, and a host of friends and dancers worldwide who will never forget him. Details on memorial services will be announced at a later date.

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“The Nutcracker is more than a ballet, it’s a tradition that connects generations,” said Tim O’Keefe, TBT Artistic Director. “Each year, our students get to share the stage with our company dancers and experience the joy of performing for thousands of audience members. Watching their excitement and growth throughout the season is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”

This year’s production features nearly 200 student dancers from TBT’s schools across Dallas, Fort Worth, and Richardson. The students will perform alongside TBT’s professional company members in over 30 performances total between Dallas and Fort Worth. Each show will include approximately 40 student performers, who bring to life beloved characters such as party children, mice, rats, angels, cooks, and clowns, adding youthful energy and spirit to every performance.

Photo courtesy of TBT

“Performing in The Nutcracker gives our students an unparalleled opportunity to learn from TBT’s professional company,” said Lyndette Galen, TBT Richardson School Principal. “Our students gain invaluable stage experience, discipline, and confidence, skills that extend far beyond the studio. Seeing their hard work come to life onstage is truly inspiring.”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS
The Nutcracker performances will take place Nov. 28-Dec. 7 at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas and Dec. 12-28 at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the TBT Box Office at 877-828-9200.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Throughout the holiday season, TBT will host several festive family-friendly events to share the magic of The Nutcracker beyond the stage.

Photo courtesy of TBT

Kingdom of Sweets: Prior to the 2 p.m. matinee performances
Families and children with tickets to the 2 p.m. matinee performances are invited to the Kingdom of Sweets for an up-close look at the ballet. Visit the Interactive Ballet area from 1-2 p.m. to touch a tutu, hold a pointe shoe, and meet a real ballerina.

Ugly Sweater Contests: Dec. 4 at the Winspear Opera House and Dec. 18 at Bass Performance Hall
TBT encourages The Nutcracker attendees to celebrate the season with tacky holiday apparel. Enter the Ugly Sweater Contest by checking in with a staff member at the TBT reception booth in the theater lobby between 6-7 p.m. One winner will be selected in each city to receive two tickets to TBT’s May production of Swan Lake.

Photo courtesy of TBT

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea: Dec. 7 at The Adolphus Hotel
As a true multi-generational experience, the Sugar Plum Fairy Tea is brimming with delights for everyone—whimsical crafts, enchanting entertainment, delicious holiday fare, and, of course, visits from beloved The Nutcracker characters. From toddlers to grandparents, every guest will find a touch of magic waiting just for them. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Adaptive Nutcracker Experience: Dec. 4 at TBT’s Richardson School (300 North Coit Road, Suite 231, Richardson, TX 75080)
TBT will host a sensory-friendly Adaptive Nutcracker Experience, designed for children ages 5-12 years old with Down syndrome, autism, or a similar diagnosis. During this one-time event, children will enjoy a Nutcracker-themed story time and craft, followed by a special performance from TBT professional training division students featuring excerpts from The Nutcracker. Please email community@texasballet.com for more information or to register. Tickets are $20 per child.

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A native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Velázquez began his training with Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico. He later attended the Virginia School of the Arts on full scholarship before arriving at TBT. He has since enjoyed performing in Ben Stevenson’s Don Quixote, Dracula, and Swan Lake. He also danced as Pinocchio in Will Tuckett’s Pinocchio when the ballet made its U.S. premier with TBT in 2018. Velázquez is married to fellow TBT company member Nicole Von Enck, and they have two children.

Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

“As I think about the past 18 years I have been at Texas Ballet Theater, I am so thankful for all the experiences, memories, and relationships,” Velázquez said. “As bittersweet as it is to leave my TBT family, it is equally as exciting to start a new chapter. I will be going into photography full time (a passion I’ve had for many years) as well as enjoying fatherhood and having the flexibility to spend more time with my family.”

Velázquez will perform this spring in mixed repertoire International Woman and the classical ballet Giselle. Tickets are available for purchase online or through the TBT Box Office at 877-828-9200.

“Joamanuel has made an indelible impact on our company during his time with TBT,” said Tim O’Keefe, TBT Artistic Director. “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching him grow as a dancer. His beautiful jumps, impressive athleticism, and ability to connect with audiences in a wide range of roles will be sorely missed. I look forward to seeing where his artistic passions take him next.”

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The remodeled, 65,000-square-foot facility will feature all-new amenities, including a dedicated dance lab for in-studio performances and rehearsals, a Pilates studio, a physical therapy suite, expanded company dressing rooms, a ballet boutique, a company lounge, and a family waiting lounge. The reconfigured space will also increase the number of studios from three to seven, allowing TBT School to accommodate more students by providing additional class times and new programming for students of all ages and abilities.

“This expansion ensures our dancers have the resources they need to excel,” Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe said. “It’s an exciting time for the company as we prepare for a new era of growth and artistic excellence.”

Rehearsal Studio
Image courtesy of TBT

Following a catastrophic water leak in 2021 that left all the studios and many of the administrative offices unusable, the Board of Governors recognized the opportunity to reimagine the Fort Worth facility and build a space that reflected the organization’s artistic and educational ambitions.

Board Chair Anne Bass said, “Our goal is to create a world-class facility that not only meets our immediate needs but also supports the future growth of our company and school. We’re excited about the tremendous impact the new Fort Worth Studio will have on the Fort Worth arts community.”

“Our commitment to providing the highest level of ballet education and performance remains unwavering,” Executive Director Vanessa Logan said. “This project is a testament to our dedication to Fort Worth and our vision for the future of ballet in North Texas.”

Reception Area
Image courtesy of TBT

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Originally from Washington, D.C., Light joined TBT in 2012 after starting her professional career with Houston Ballet’s second company. Throughout her career with TBT, she has captivated audiences with her talent and grace in lead roles across performances such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Danse à Grande Vitesse (DGV), In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated and many others

“I am beyond grateful to TBT for the opportunity to grow and flourish over the past 13 seasons,” said Light. “The relationships I’ve formed with my fellow dancers, the leadership team, and our incredible audiences will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m excited to embark on a new journey as I transition full-time into choreography, but will forever cherish the memories and experiences I’ve had on stage with TBT. It’s been a dream come true.”

Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

TBT will open its 2024-2025 season with Cinderella, featuring Light in the lead role of Cinderella for the third time. Performances will be held at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas September 13-15 and at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth September 20-22. Tickets for Cinderella are available for purchase online at or through the TBT Box Office at 877-828-9200.

This holiday season, Light will grace the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, one of her most popular roles during her tenure with TBT. In addition, audiences will have the opportunity to experience Light’s vision as a choreographer in Lamination Variations as part of TBT’s first all-female-choreographed, mixed-repertoire production, debuting in February.

Photo courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater

“Alexandra is a beautiful dancer, and I’ll miss seeing her artistry on the stage. She is a master storyteller who fully embraces every role and connects with audiences on a deep level,” said Tim O’Keefe, TBT Artistic Director. “Her dedication, leadership, and theatrical performances have left a lasting mark on TBT. I am excited to see where her choreographic talents take her next.”

The post Texas Ballet Theater Bids Farewell to Principal Dancer first appeared on Tanglewood Moms.

Photo courtesy of TBT

Cinderella: September 13-15 & September 20-22, 2024
Kickstarting the season is Ben Stevenson’s enchanting production of Cinderella, a timeless tale of splendor and romance that transports audiences to a magical realm of fairy dust, glass slippers, and hilariously wicked stepsisters. This beloved story of love triumphant is choreographed to the mesmerizing score of Sergey Prokofiev, promising a performance of unparalleled beauty and grace at both Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House.

Photo courtesy of TBT

The Nutcracker: November 29-December 8 & December 13-29, 2024
The holiday season will sparkle with the joy and wonder of Ben Stevenson’s spectacular production of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this perennial favorite invites audiences into an enchanting vision of merriment and delight, making it an essential part of any holiday tradition. Performances will grace the stages of Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House, presenting sponsor, Akin.

Photo courtesy of TBT

International Woman: February 21-23 & February 28-March 2, 2025
In a groundbreaking celebration of female creativity and choreography, TBT presents International Woman in February. This compelling evening is dedicated entirely to works by female choreographers, showcasing a diverse array of pieces that explore the nuances of human connection, emotion, and the joy of dance. Highlights include Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Shibuya Blues, a riveting exploration of modern life and dance; Lamentation Variations, inspired by Martha Graham’s elegy in movement; Martha Graham’s whimsical Maple Leaf Rag; and Natalie Weir’s vibrant Jabula, a celebration of motion and dance through the music of Hans Zimmer’s The Power of One. Performances will be held at Bass Performance Hall and Wyly Theatre.

Photo courtesy of TBT

Giselle: May 2-4 & May 16-18, 2025
Closing the season is a world premiere of Giselle, where TBT‘s Artistic Director, Tim O’Keefe, intricately builds upon the foundational choreography of Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa to present his own brilliant interpretation of this iconic masterpiece. Set to the hauntingly beautiful composition of Adolphe Adam, this production tells the tragic tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. Experience this brilliant interpretation of an iconic masterpiece at Bass Performance Hall and Winspear Opera House.

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How many little children have dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer while watching Texas Ballet Theater’s (TBT) annual production of The Nutcracker? Generations, I’m sure.

Fort Worth is fortunate to have a local-yet-internationally-recognized ballet company that provides all levels of ballet instruction as well as professional productions of classics from the ballet repertoire and world premiere performances of new ballets.

In 2022, longtime Artistic Director Ben Stevenson, OBE, transitioned to Artistic Director Emeritus. Stevenson led TBT since 2004, choreographing numerous ballets and premiering many new works. Tim O’Keefe, who has been with TBT from 2002, was named Artistic Director in 2023. O’Keefe joined TBT from the Houston Ballet and has taught classes with Texas Ballet Theater School and choreographed for the company.

Vanessa Logan, TBT’s Executive Director, said, “We are thrilled to have Tim’s artistic vision as he moves into this new role. His leadership reinforces Texas Ballet Theater’s mission of providing the highest caliber productions and education in our communities.”

photo credit: Steven Visneau

The 2023-2024 season will start with an annual production of Dracula, which runs at Bass Performance Hall from October 6^th through October 8^th. Choreographed by Stevenson, the ballet follows the eponymous Count. Stevenson premiered this ballet in 1997 at the Houston Ballet, and O’Keefe danced the role of Dracula.

”Having the opportunity to present Dracula is a full-circle moment for Texas Ballet Theater,” said O’Keefe. “Many of our artistic and productions staff worked on the world premiere 25 years ago [sic], myself included. I’m looking forward to working on this ballet with Ben [Stevenson] again and sharing it with our audiences, who have been eager to see it again.”

photo credit: Steven Visneau

In March of 2024, TBT will present Brilliants, an evening of four short ballets. “Rubies” is a movement from the longer ballet Jewels. Jewels was created by George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet and debuted in 1967. Balanchine is lauded as the father of American ballet, the choreographer who moved ballet from the highly stylized, overly-romantic productions of the late 19^th and early 20^th century to a sleeker, bolder style. “Rubies” has been described as “crisp and witty” and features dancers in bold, red costumes.

“Grand Pas Classique” and “Le Corsaire Pas de Deux” are both classical pas de deux movements featuring two dancers. Each of these highlights the technical and artistic brilliance of the dancers. “Grand Pas Classique” was choreographed by Victor Gsovsky and debuted in 1949. Rudolf Nureyev choreographed the pas de deux from Le Corsaire to perform with Margot Fonteyne in 1962.

Originally created for TBT in 2016, “Without Borders” was choreographed by Val Caniparoli. This ballet features music by Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. The ballet smasheds the barrier between neoclassical and contemporary ballet and examines the individual and the power of perspective.

Brilliants will run from February 23^rd through 25^th at Bass Performance Hall.

photo credit: Steven Visneau

The 2023-2024 season ends with Beauty and the Beast. Choreographed for the San Francisco Ballet by Lew Christensen, this production premiered in 1959 and tells the beloved story of a young woman who learns not to judge a book by its cover and a beast who learns the transformative power of love. Christensen said of his ballet, “The old moral reads that beauty is only skin deep. So, in this ballet, is beastliness. To love is to be human, and it is no less, to humanize.” Beauty and the Beast will be performed at Bass Performance Hall from May 17^th through 19^th.

Of course, no season of any ballet company could be considered complete without a production of The Nutcracker. First performed in St. Petersburg in 1892 and not considered a success (!), this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” TBT’s version was choreographed by Stevenson. While TBT will not present “The Nutty Nutcracker” as in years past, they do have a few tricks up their sleeve to delight patrons. The Nutcracker runs from December 8^th through 24^th at Bass Performance Hall.

When asked about the upcoming season, Carl Coomer, principal dancer with TBT said, “This season has a bit of everything in it. You go from the dark and sinister Dracula to the romance of Beauty and the Beast with the sparkle of The Nutcracker in between.”

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Last performed by the nonprofit ballet company in 2015, Dracula follows the legendary vampire as he wreaks horror and destruction on his unwitting victims. The production features elaborate sets and special effects such as flying and pyrotechnics.

The ballet is an audience favorite choreographed by TBT Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. When he originally choreographed the ballet in 1997, a familiar face danced the titular role – TBT’s current Artistic Director, Tim O’Keefe.

Alexandra F. Light and Carl Coomer
photo credit: Steven Visneau

“I am thrilled TBT is opening our season with Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson’s Dracula. This is one of Ben’s best ballets and a must-see production,” O’Keefe said. “Having danced in the original production, I look forward to working with Ben on restaging and coaching our dancers in bringing this classically beautiful and eerie ballet to the stage.”

Dracula is suitable for mature audiences. Individual tickets range from $20 to $125. Patrons can purchase tickets online at https://texasballettheater.org/performance/dracula-2023/ or by contacting the Box Office at 877-828-9200 option 1.

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The family-friendly ballet follows the storyline of Lewis Carroll’s book of the same name. Choreographed by TBT Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., Alice in Wonderland features an element that’s uncommon for ballet – dialogue.

Paige Nyman; pc Steven Visneau

“Alice opens the story with dialogue and continues to further the story with the spoken word,” TBT Acting Artistic Director Tim O’Keefe said. “This is a unique challenge for the dancers, who are used to expressing themselves through movement. The dialogue is both an exciting venture for the dancers and another layer of storytelling for the audience.”

The nonprofit ballet company will present eight performances of Alice in Wonderland, four in Dallas and four in Fort Worth. The ballet is approximately 90 minutes long and includes one, 20-minute intermission.

Carolyn Judson and Andre Silva; pc Steven Visneau

Tickets start at $20. Patrons can purchase tickets online at texasballettheater.org or by calling the Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, at 877-828-9200 option 1.

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Dracula, an audience favorite last performed by TBT in 2015, will open the season with performances September 15-17, 2023, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in Dallas and October 6-8, 2023, at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. TBT Artistic Director Laureate Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., choreographed the ballet in 1997. The first production featured TBT’s Acting Artistic Director, Tim O’Keefe, in the titular role.

Dracula – Alexandra F. Light and Carl Coomer, pc Steven Visneau

“Having the opportunity to present Dracula is a full circle moment for TBT,” O’Keefe said. “Many of our artistic and production staff worked on the world premiere 25 years ago, myself included. I’m looking forward to working on this ballet with Ben [Stevenson] again and sharing it with our audiences, who have been eager to see it again.”

TBT will stage its annual production of Stevenson’s The Nutcracker for the holiday season. The company will perform the family-friendly ballet November 24 – December 3, 2023 at Winspear Opera House and December 8-24 at Bass Performance Hall.

The company will return to the stage after the holidays with Brilliants, a mixed repertoire production featuring four shorter ballets in one program. The featured ballets are Rubies, choreographed by George Balanchine; Grand Pas Classique, choreographed by Victor Gsovsky; Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev and Without Borders, choreographed by Val Caniparoli and originally created on the company in 2016.

Brilliants, pc Steven Visneau

Brilliants will run February 23-25, 2024, at Bass Performance Hall and March 1-3, 2024, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre.

Beauty and the Beast, choreographed by Lew Christensen, will end the season with performances May 3-5, 2024, at Winspear Opera House and May 17-19, 2024, at Bass Performance Hall.

Season packages start at $48. Patrons can purchase a package online at texasballettheater.org/season-packages or by contacting the Box Office at 877-828-9200 option 1.

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