Watch Eric Best ride Stanton Welch’s sexy curves tapestryduring the Houston Ballet Dance Anniversary Celebration [in December 2023]The dancer’s fluidity blends with precision. His generous bra caressed the space, outlining Welch’s nuanced dance lines. With his clean technique, subtle swagger and mesmerizing fluidity, Best made the leap from corps de ballet to soloist at the start of the season, and audiences couldn’t get enough of him.
company: houston ballet
age: twenty one
hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
train: School of Dance Creation, Houston Ballet School, Houston Ballet II
Destination Houston: Best He bonded in 2018 during his first summer intensive at Houston Ballet. I feel like this is a place where I can grow and learn,” he said. The following summer, at an intensive class at the Debbie Allen School of Dance in Los Angeles, he met guest teacher Lauren Anderson, associate director of education and community engagement at the Houston Ballet School. “She said, ‘Oh, you need to come back to Houston immediately.'” So I did.
rise rapidly: After joining Houston Ballet 2 in 2021, Best served as an apprentice with the main company in 2022 and entered the company in 2023.This period is described as “taking a leap of faith and moving forward. I was amazed at what I was actually capable of, and because Stanton [Welch] and julie [Kent]Support and trust in me.
midsummer Double head: Houston audiences began to understand the extent of Best’s abilities when he landed major roles in two films directed by John Neumeier, Lysander and Parker. a midsummer night’s dream at the start of the season.
The co-artistic director commented: “Eric has such physical intelligence and his mind-body connection is extraordinary,” Julie Kent said. “There’s a divine quality to his dancing. Plus, he looks great from every angle. Eric is an extraordinary talent. He’s musical,” Stanton Welch said. Talent, brought so much detail to my ballets that I could choreograph without restrictions, and he made me want to be a better choreographer.
Speak the same language: Best’s love for Welch’s intricate choreography is evident in the growing number of Welch ballets he has performed to date. “Now I can delve into his new work and know what he’s bringing to the table and what he’s looking for,” Best said. “I just try to come in with the same energy, ready to work.” Clear was originally created in the aftermath of 9/11 and had a profound impact on Best. “Every time I watch this ballet, perform it or rehearse it, I always discover something new that relates to its narrative.”
Besides dancing: Favorite painting and sketching. “Mainly self-portraits, figures and sometimes superheroes. I’m very passionate about art and would like to take more classes,” he said. “I always want to make sure I continue to do things that interest me besides dance.”
