‘Smith Works’ by Vitacca Ballet opens May 15-16

Vitacca Ballet Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca proudly presents Smith Works on Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Zilkha Theatre at the Hobby Center (800 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002). Following the Friday show there will be a patron reception on stage. Tickets, priced at $35–$50 (with $20 Artist/Student discounts), are available now at www.VitaccaBallet.org.

Smith Works proudly features Vitacca Ballet Resident Choreographer Garrett Smith’s contemporary ballet works including audience favorites: Somewhat Closer, Hypnotic Forces, After Silence and a newly created world premiere. Smith is a homegrown Houston choreographer who has gone on to international fame. In 2023, Smith’s work Hypnotic Forces set on Vitacca Ballet was noted as one of Pointe Magazine’s “12 Standout Performances of 2023” by Nancy Wozny writing “Hypnotic Forces showed off the Houston-based company’s raw verve, visceral drive, and impressive musicality amidst composer Nils Frahm’s pounding rhythms.” Company artists were highlighted as well, “Jordan Hooks and Joshua Ponton delivered a powerful concluding duet that oscillated between tenderness and anxious watchfulness, with a tension that never let up even during its most intimate moments.”

Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca said “Vitacca Ballet is thrilled to feature Resident Choreographer Garrett Smith’s works in an evening length production. Garrett has been a remarkable choreographic voice to work with over the years. He’s a true visionary. We are honored Smith Works brings this unique, homegrown choreographic talent back to Houston for the city to experience Vitacca’s artistic voice.”  

Under the Direction of Kelly Ann Vitacca, Vitacca Ballet builds approachable contemporary ballet for the curious. Vitacca Ballet’s work combines wit, beauty, and athleticism. Driven by creation, Vitacca Ballet shares a progressive ballet lens with a diverse community of artists and patrons within Houston and beyond. To learn more about Vitacca Ballet, please visit www.VitaccaBallet.org.    

Garrett Smith’s ‘Somewhat Closer’, Image credit Vitacca Ballet