Houston Ballet Announces Promotion of Danbi Kim to Principal Dancer

MEDIA CONTACT:
Casey Giltner
206.708.0085
press@houstonballet.org

Houston Ballet Announces Promotion of Danbi Kim to Principal Dancer

HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 23, 2026 – Houston Ballet is proud to announce the promotion of Danbi Kim to Principal Dancer. Formerly a First Soloist, Kim was promoted on Sunday evening, June 21, 2026, following her performance in the title role of the Company’s production of Giselle, choreographed by Artstic Director, Stanton Welch AM. 

Originally from Suwon, Republic of Korea, Kim trained at the Houston Ballet Academy and Houston Ballet II before joining the Company in 2018. Promoted to First Soloist in 2025, her elevation to Principal reflects both the exceptional pace of her artistic development and the indelible mark she has made on Houston Ballet’s stage.

Kim has brought extraordinary range and depth to an impressive breadth of repertoire. Among her most defining achievements, Kim performed the lead in Welch’s Raymonda, with Welch choreographing the role directly on her — a distinction that marked one of her breakout career moments. Other notable roles include Giselle and Myrtha in Stanton Welch’s Giselle, the Sugar Plum Fairy in Welch’s The Nutcracker; and the first movement solo in Welch’s Vi et Animo. She has also performed in Welch’s Tapestry and Stereo is King (World Premiere), Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, ISHIDA’s What I Was Thinking While I Was Waltzing, and Alice Topp’s Sisu (World Premiere). Kim’s artistry and versatility demonstrate a rare ability to move fluidly between classical storytelling and contemporary work.

“Danbi is a beautiful, brilliant dancer: she has a commanding presence, matched by her exacting technical prowess, musicality, and nuance. We are so proud of her journey through our Academy and company ranks and excited for all that is to come!” said Artistic Director Julie Kent.

Houston Ballet celebrates Danbi Kim as she steps into this new chapter of her distinguished career. Kim is generously underwritten by Houston Ballet Trustees, Cabrina and Steven Owsley.

ABOUT HOUSTON BALLET

Founded in 1969, Houston Ballet is one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, inspiring audiences through artistic excellence, bold choreography, and a commitment to the future of dance. Under the artistic leadership of Artistic Directors Julie Kent and Stanton Welch AM and the chief administrative leadership of Executive Director & CEO Sonja Kostich, the Company is home to the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance, the largest professional dance facility in the country. Houston Ballet operates with a $47 million annual budget (FY27) and a $134.5 million endowment (as of February 2026), presents a diverse repertory of classical and contemporary works, and tours internationally with a global reach spanning 116 countries.

Houston Ballet Academy serves as a leading pipeline for emerging dance talent, training more than 1,000 students annually—most on scholarship. Through complementary Education and Community Engagement programs, the Company reaches more than 85,000 people annually, expanding access to dance across the Houston region.

###