He’s just made history at one of Texas’s most prestigious companies. The announcement on his Instagram says it all.
HOUSTON — Harper Watters has shattered barriers at Houston Ballet, becoming the company’s first Black, gay principal dancer after 14 years of climbing through the ranks. The groundbreaking performer, who boasts nearly a million social media followers, was elevated to the prestigious position last spring.
Watters’ journey to the top began when he arrived in Houston at age 16 for a six-week summer intensive program with Houston Ballet. What was meant to be a temporary experience changed the course of his life.
“They offered me a spot in the second company, and to be honest I don’t think I knew what that meant, I heard contract, I heard you get to train here for a year… And I called my parents, and said this is my moment,” Watters recalled.
That moment led to 14 years of dedication and growth within the Houston Ballet company. For Watters, performing on stage creates an incomparable experience.
“There is this indescribable feeling of being on stage feeling like time stops, and you are immersed in this moment that is so special that you are responsible for,” he explained.
The principal dancer’s path to ballet began in elementary school dance recitals in New Hampshire, where he was raised by adoptive parents who took him in when he was just two weeks old. Their unwavering support proved instrumental in his success.
“They gave me my wings to soar here to Texas, and they have come to every performance… It was never no, it was ‘let’s do this together,'” Watters said.
Beyond his stage performances, Watters has cultivated a massive social media presence, using his platform to showcase his personality and style off the stage. He describes himself with characteristic flair.
“I can be calm cool and collected, I can be fabulous fierce and fearless,” and he added with a laugh, “You can add flexible too.”
Watters views his 14 years in Houston as “14 chapters of his life” and takes pride in the work he has invested to become what he calls a “ballet barrier breaker.” The company recently returned from performances in Japan, and when Watters received news of his promotion to principal dancer, he immediately called his parents and updated his Instagram page with his new title.
His historic achievement brings diversity to world of professional ballet.