Houston’s cultural pulse is poised to quicken this spring as the highly anticipated SMITH WORKS by Vitacca Ballet makes its dazzling debut at the Hobby Center’s Zilkha Theater on Thursday, May 15 and Friday, May 16, 2025. This two-night ballet event isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of Houston-grown talent making waves across the global stage.

Curated under the visionary guidance of Artistic Director Kelly Ann Vitacca, SMITH WORKS pays homage to one of Houston’s brightest artistic exports—Garrett Smith. Smith, a choreographer with international flair and a resumé spanning the Bolshoi Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and Netflix’s Tiny Pretty Things, returns home to showcase his evocative and electric choreography.

Expect audience favorites like Somewhat Closer, After Silence, and the critically acclaimed Hypnotic Forces, which was named one of Pointe Magazine’s “12 Standout Performances of 2023” for its explosive intensity and raw musicality. The performance will also unveil a world premiere ballet created exclusively for Vitacca Ballet, adding an extra spark to an already incandescent program.

Fresh off its 2024 title as “Best Dance Show” by Texas Arts & Culture Magazine, Vitacca Ballet is more than just a dance company—it’s a movement. With its fearless blend of classical technique and contemporary storytelling, Vitacca is redefining ballet for the next generation.

Friday night’s performance will conclude with a special on-stage reception, offering an opportunity for patrons and ballet aficionados to mingle with the artists and creatives behind this mesmerizing production.

🎟️ Tickets are available now at https://www.thehobbycenter.org

Why This Matters to Houston:

Homegrown Excellence: Garrett Smith’s return signals Houston’s growing reputation as a cradle of artistic innovation.

A Citywide Moment: With performances at the heart of Houston’s Theater District, SMITH WORKS contributes to the city’s thriving arts scene.

Creative Spotlight: This is more than a performance—it’s a platform for interviews, coverage, and engagement with Houston’s next generation of culture-shapers.

Kelly Ann Vitacca, Artistic Director of Vitacca Ballet

Garrett Smith, Choreographer and creative powerhouse

Featured Artists, including rising stars Joshua Ponton and Jordan Hooks

Houston Style Magazine readers don’t miss the chance to spotlight a story where local roots meet international acclaim. From curtain rise to final bow, SMITH WORKS is destined to leave Houston audiences inspired, moved, and awestruck.

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