Interpretive power

Principal dancer Amy Fote plans final bow after eight seasons with HoustonBallet

Amy Fote will perform the lead in Madame Butterfly, choreographed by StantonWelch, Sept. 6-16.
Photo by Maarten Holl
Amy Fote
Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
Amy Fote and Ian Casady in Little Dancer, choreographed by James Kudelka
Photo by Amtiava Sarkar
Amy Fote and Andrew Murphy in Onegin, choreographed by John Cranko
Photo by Amtiava Sarkar
Amy Fote and artists of Houston Ballet in Clear, choreographed by Stanton Welch
Photo by Amtiava Sarkar

This fall, Houston Ballet principal dancer Amy Fote will break your heart as the innocent heroine, Cho-Cho-San in Stanton Welch's signature story ballet Madame Butterfly for the last time. Fote takes her final bow this December following eight seasons with Houston Ballet.

Fote joined Houston Ballet in 2005 and was quickly promoted to principal dancer in 2006. She will finish out the fall season dancing in Butterfly, the Jubilee of Dance, and wrapping up her career inThe Nutcracker.

"I think of the whole next few months as my swan song, and it will be so special to dance Madame Butterfly again," says Fote, who will be partnered by James Gotesky. "I know it will stay with me for a very long time."

"I've been so lucky and blessed to be part of a company like Houston Ballet. I was really able to find my niche here," says Fote.

Fote has dazzled Houston's dance audiences with her flawless technique, her exquisite line and her radiant acting. She excelled in dramatic roles such as Titiana in John Cranko's Onegin and Giselle, yet also was stunning in Welch's more minimalist ballet, Clear, where she was the lone woman on a stage full of men.

The full depth of her interpretive power could be felt in the final pas de deux in James Kudelka's Little Dancer, and her poignant solo in Christopher Wheeldon's Carnival of Animals. Her comedic flare showed up in Jerome Robbins' The Concert and The Merry Widow.

"I've been so lucky and blessed to be part of a company like Houston Ballet. I was really able to find my niche here," says Fote. "It's been exciting and inspiring. There are exciting times ahead for this company; it's a great place to be."

A native of Manitowoc, Wisc., Fote trained at the Jean Wolfmeyer School of Dance, National Academy of Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy and the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Fla. She danced for 14 seasons at Milwaukee Ballet, where she achieved the rank of principal dancer.

Fote's vast classical repertoire includes Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Kitri in Don Quixote, Tatiana in Onegin, Hanna in The Merry Widow, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Giselle (and Myrtha) in Giselle, Sugar Plum Fairy (and Snow Queen) in The Nutcracker, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Marie in Stanton Welch's Marie.

Fote quickly assumed the role of one of Welch's favorite muses, and she was able to dance in many of his athletic ballets.

“Amy is a complete artist,” Welch told me during an interview for a profile on Fote for Dance Magazine. “She exudes a kind of extreme sensuality, a rare mix of steeliness and fragility. It’s a powerful and odd combination.”

As she turns 40 soon, Fote, who has remarkably never had a major injury in her long and demanding career, is leaving her post-dancing options wide open. She loves cooking, fashion, decorating, and theater. She may explore teaching and coaching, and has not ruled out acting.

"Stanton has been terrific with my transition," says Fote. "I have so many interests. I know that whatever I decide to do next will be something creative."

Meet the Artist: Amy Fote

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weekend event planner

These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this Thanksgiving weekend

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

Considering everything that’s happened this month, some families may experience an awkward Thanksgiving. Others may want a little time together that's separate from the holiday meal.

Either way, this weekend offers plenty of holiday-themed events. There will be two runs on Turkey Day, as well as the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. We also have tree lightings, photo opps with Santa, Nutcracker productions, and even a holiday boat cruise.

Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, November 28

Houston Turkey Dash
The Houston Turkey Dash will include a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Family 1K, or Kids K. New this year will be a handcycling option so everyone can participate. Awards will be given to the top 3 male/female runners for half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Age group awards will be given to the 1st place winner for half marathon, 10K, and 5K, broken down by 10-year age groups. All finishers will receive a commemorative Houston Turkey Dash Finisher's Medal. All skill levels are welcome, and proceeds support five local nonprofits. 6:45 am.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company presents The TurkeyDay5k
The TurkeyDay5k, presented by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and supporting CoolxDad, is an inclusive family-friendly event featuring a 5k Turkey Trot, 10k Turkey Trot, and 1-Mile Family Walk. Participants will enjoy giveaways and get a T-shirt and medal, along with other prizes. Make your Turkey Trot experience even more meaningful by participating in the 2024 CoolxDad Color Box Toy Drive. Spread holiday cheer by bringing a toy to drop off and help brighten the season for kids in need. 7:30 am.

75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, this event is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country. Each year, several hundred thousand Houstonians line the streets to cheer on participants. The parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and other uniquely Houston entries. Nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the parade to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. 9 am.

Friday, November 29

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Notre-Dame Cathedral: An Immersive Experience
At Notre-Dame Cathedral: An Immersive Experience, visitors can step inside a virtual depiction of Paris to experience the entry and interior of the cathedral, as well as the extraordinary effort to restore Notre-Dame after the devastating 2019 fire. In Paris, the iconic Gothic cathedral will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 7. The MFAH is celebrating this historic moment with an immersive experience in the Museum’s spacious Cullinan Hall. Through Sunday, January 5. 11 am.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Holiday Boat Cruise
Buffalo Bayou Partnership will celebrate the season with a festive holiday cruise along Buffalo Bayou. Guests can experience the downtown skyline from the water aboard the holiday-themed pontoon boat, adorned with wintry decorations. As a special treat this year, historic Allen’s Landing will also shine brightly with luminous lights. On the last two weekends, boat tour guests will also experience an up-close view of the new Snow Glow on the Bayou winter installation, organized by Downtown Houston+. Through Sunday, December 29. 11:53 am.

Improv Houston presents Godfrey
While he’s more known these days for doing a killer Steve Harvey impression, Chicago comedian Godfrey has been killing it as a standup for decades now. Godfrey has been seen on stages from New York and Los Angeles to Dubai. Along with his own one-hour special on Comedy Central, Godfrey has onscreen credits which include Zoolander, 30 Rock, Soul Plane, and the TruTV series Upload, where he starred alongside Shaquille O'Neal. 7:30 & 9:45 pm (7 & 9:30 pm Saturday: 7:30 pm Sunday).

Usher in concert
It can’t be denied that Usher has been having a great run as a live performer. You never know who’s gonna show up and join him on-stage: Gary Clark, Jr., Tyrese, Kevin Hart – they’ve all popped up on his latest tour for a surprise guest shot. But the R&B great gives audiences the same interactive love that made his Vegas residency a must-see show, especially when he hits the crowd carrying a bowl full of cherries. Usher will do Friday and Saturday-night shows in support of his new album, Coming Home. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 30

CityCentre presents Holiday in the Plaza
Visit and take photos with Santa and two of his reindeer during Holiday in the Plaza, presented by Sewell Cadillac. Dance to holiday classics with performances by the Houston Show Choir at noon, 2:30, and 4 pm. When Santa is not behind his sleigh, he drives a Cadillac. Help CityCentre spread joy to others and fill Santa’s Cadillac with new, unwrapped toys to be donated in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as line times may vary for photos with Santa. 11 am.

Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Although it’s not the only Nutcracker game popping off this weekend, Houston Ballet will once again present Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, audiences will embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. They will reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. Through Sunday, December 29. 2 & 7:30 pm (1 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

The Post Oak Hotel presents Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Chalet
Kick off the holiday season in the Post Oak Hotel lobby for a spectacular Christmas tree lighting, including festive beverages and an atmosphere designed for the perfect holiday photos with family and friends. Enjoy musical performances and a special guest appearance from the North Pole. You can also discover the perfect snowy chalet at Stella's Wine Bar. Enjoy a cozy s’mores station while sipping on one of many holiday-themed cocktails or glass of wine. Reserve a table here. Through Thursday, December 31. 5 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto"
Massive in scale and visionary in scope, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto redefined what a piano concerto could be, reaching dazzling new heights unsurpassed to this day. Piano powerhouse Yefim Bronfman performs the masterpiece in a program also featuring Schubert’s ever-popular Unfinished Symphony. Escape the Black Friday-weekend stress and share beautiful music with family and friends. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Sunday, December 1

Rice Village presents Farmers Market’s Holiday Bash + 4th Anniversary Celebration
At Rice Village Farmers Market's Holiday Bash + 4th Anniversary Celebration, attendees can meet Santa and snap a picture in one of four holiday-themed, Instagrammable spots. They can also enjoy music from Grandma’s Boyfriends Carolers and a DJ, a craft table, face painter, and holiday vendors. You can also donate a toy or make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots. There will be two Marines onsite collecting these donations. And yes, there will be snow. 9 am.

The Pit Room Memorial presents Houston Texas Gameday Watch Party
The Pit Room is getting into the gameday spirit with a Texans vs. Jaguars watch party at its Memorial location. Open to all ages with free entry, this party will feature appearances from Toro, Texans Cheerleaders, Texans Legends, plus festive decor and more. The Pit Room menu includes a variety of gameday classics in addition to their signature barbecue including chicken wings, brisket egg rolls, pulled pork nachos, BBQ burgers, and wood-grilled hot dogs — perfect for enjoying while watching the game on one of the spot’s 27 flat screen televisions. 11 am.

Ensemble Theatre presents Twelve Ways of Christmas
The Twelve Ways of Christmas reminds viewers that, while the season may mean something different from one person to the next, the true message remains the same. With an eclectic blend of colorful jazz, R&B, and gospel, Twelve Ways guides us to the heart of the most memorable holiday experiences. Love prevails throughout this fusion of fun, joy, loneliness, jealousy and grief with twelve “ways,” including Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas, and True Christmas. Through Sunday, December 22. 3 pm.

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

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