Catie Robinson

2 weeks ago | pointemagazine.com | Catie Robinson

Houston Ballet dancer Harper Watters says his feelings have been “all over the place” since being promoted from first soloist to principal in March. “I’m proud of myself for all the work I’ve put into making this goal a reality, and grateful that my directors acknowledged that work,” Watters says. To Watters, becoming a principal feels like confirmation that the choices he’s been made in his dancing were the right ones, allowing him, he says, “to explore new roles without any questions.

3 weeks ago | pointemagazine.com | Catie Robinson

The original ballet Carmen, which premiered in 1949 and is based on Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella, might be named for its female protagonist, but Carmen is far from the narrative’s driving force. Instead, she’s objectified, coveted by men and ultimately murdered by one who wishes to possess her.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Catie Robinson

If you have been dancing long enough to be on pointe, you know the importance of warming up properly before strapping on your shoes. Still, sometimes your schedule might not allow for even a barre warm-up before it’s time to begin. Rather than starting cold, it’s best to have a short warm-up routine in your back pocket that you can perform even in a hallway outside of the studio.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Catie Robinson

While her onstage personas are as varied as Cinderella and Odile, Royal Swedish Ballet first soloist Maya Schonbrun’s offstage style stays consistently quirky. Her dance bag is a black Fjällräven Kånken backpack, decorated with patches she added herself. “I really like dinosaurs and food, so I went with a dinosaur/food theme for my patches,” Schonbrun says. “I love patches. I didn’t want a plain bag, so I got these all at once and then put them on.

1 month ago | pointemagazine.com | Catie Robinson

Onstage, Ballet San Antonio principal Michael Agudelo battles the Rat King in The Nutcracker, mourns his lost love as Albrecht in Giselle, and suffers a mortal sword wound as Mercutio in Edwaard Liang’s Romeo and Juliet. Online, as MikeStarWalker, he reviews lightsabers, teaches saber choreography, and produces highly detailed fan films complete with special effects. His YouTube channel has grown to 179,000 subscribers. Agudelo was introduced to both ballet and Star Wars by his parents.