Dominic Walsh Dance Theater is the brainchild of former Houston Ballet principal dancer Dominic Walsh, who founded his company in 2002. A highly gifted choreographer, Walsh’s interest is in creating theatrical work that marries classical ballet technique with the grounded qualities of modern dance. In 1998 he won his first Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography; in 2007 he won a second. He is also one of three choreographers to have won the Princess Grace Award in 2008.

Uniquely talented, Walsh has helped to create a new vision for contemporary ballet. He is not afraid to cross over into other worlds, at times using spoken word to further the impact of a ballet, such as in his version of Romeo and Juliet, in which Shakespeare’s verse is used to enhance the theatricality of Walsh’s vision. DWDT’s choreographic and emotional versatility allow for the unexpected, such as in the violence of Walsh’s Titus Andronicus or the tenderness of his pas de deux Amadeus. Collaborations with visual artists, musicians, and designers assist in making every performance a visceral one, as told through the bodies of his richly trained dancers.

DWDT’s fresh take on the classics as well as his addition of new work and the work of outside choreographers such as Jiri Kilian, Matthew Bourne, and Mauro Bigonzetti add to the company’s appeal. With a consistently intelligent mix in their programs, one is likely to see a full-length piece one evening and a mixed repertory the next.

Based in their hometown of Houston, Texas, DWDT also tours throughout the nation as well as internationally.
–Michele Kadison

Dominic Walsh Dance Theater Information

• Other Venue: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive
• Public Transportation: Good for both. Hobby Center (within a 5-minute walk from several buses; and a 7-minute walk from the METRORail at the Main Street Square Station). Miller Outdoor Theatre (a 5-minute walk from the METRORail at the Hermann Park/Rice University Station)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good at both locations
• Performances/Programs: 4 shows per season with multiple performances of each, plus the free annual “Fall for Dominic Walsh Dance Theater” performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre
• Ticket Prices: $25–$85 (Students/Seniors $15–$42) depending on seating selection. Picnic in the Park tickets (before the free Miller Outdoor Theatre performance) are $25 and include cocktails, a boxed supper (vegetarian options available), and a reserved seat for the performance
• Subscriptions: Thursday Subscriptions ($57–$225); Friday, Saturday, and Pick 3 Subscriptions ($57–$138), with prices varying by seating selection
• Membership: Apprentice ($100); Corps de Ballet ($250); Soloist ($500); Etoile ($1,000); Choreographer ($2,500); Director’s Circle ($5,000); President’s Circle ($7,500); Visionary Circle ($10,000). Depending on level, benefits include program and website recognition, invitations to open rehearsals, valet parking, invitations to VIP parties, and more.