Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Returns to Houston Tonight, 9/29

Back by popular demand, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (ASFB) returns to Houston with a new program tonight, Sept. 29, at 8 p.m. in Wortham Center's Cullen Theater, presented by Society for the Performing Arts.

Known for performing works by some of the world's foremost choreographers, The company will perform Last by Alejandro Cerrudo, an ASFB commission funded by the Joyce Foundation with music by Henryk Górecki; Over Glow by Jorma Elo, a piece for six dancers set to the music of Mendelssohn and Beethoven; and Stamping Ground by Ji?i Kylián, which explores Aboriginal culture and dance and is set to a percussive score by Carlos Chávez.

ASFB was founded in 1996, first in Aspen, Colo., when founder Bebe Schweppe invited directors Tom Mossbrucker, former principal of Joffrey Ballet, and Jean-Philippe Malaty, dancer for Joffrey II among other companies, to create a ballet company the city could call its own. In 2000, a second location was established in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The company's unique pioneering spirit arises from the surroundings of both home cities: Aspen, nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, and Santa Fe, gracing the majestic Southwest.

The company is comprised of 11 classically trained dancers from all around the United States; each offers a unique perspective and experience to The company. Aspen Santa Fe Ballet's bold vision – top global choreographers, distinctive groundbreaking works, and virtuoso dancers – has fostered a jewel of a dance company in the American West and beyond.

With ballet schools, educational outreach programs and a dance series in both home communities, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has become a multi-faceted dance institution. As its own company tours the globe, the organization extends equal effort to education. With a thriving dance school and an award winning Mexican folk dance outreach program, The School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Folklórico serves more than 800 children in Colorado and New Mexico. In 2010, The Joyce Theater Foundation in New York City honored Tom Mossbrucker and Jean- Philippe Malaty for pioneering this innovative model for American dance.

Prior to the performance, patrons are Welcome to the H-E-B Performance Prelude by Carver Dance Company from Aldine ISD's Carver Magnet High School at 7 p.m. in the Wortham Center's Grand Foyer. At 7:30 p.m. patrons are invited to SPA Talks, Sponsored by BMC Software, to gain insight into Aspen Santa Fe Ballet's performance.

Tickets range from $35-$55 and may be purchased online at www.spahouston.org, by phone at 713-227-4772 or at the courtyard level ticket office at Jones Hall located at 615 Louisiana St. Hours of operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. For groups of 15 or more call 713-632-8113.