Harper Watters talks playing the lead in ‘Sylvia,’ breaking boundaries & shattering stereotypes

HOUSTON — When the curtain comes down on the Houston Ballet’s manufacturing of ‘Sylvia’ on March 20, Harper Watters might be taking a bow within the lead function.

“It is a actually thrilling time in my profession for me as a dancer,” mentioned Watters, who’s at the moment in his eleventh season with Houston Ballet. “I have been lucky sufficient to do principal roles in one-act ballets. I have been The Prince within the ‘Nutcracker.’ However this might be my first go at a principal function and a three-act ballet.”

He admits he is just a little nervous, however provides that he is honored to be given the duty of main a ballet the size of ‘Sylvia.’

“I am simply very excited,” Watters mentioned.

Presently the highest-ranking Black and queer dancer within the firm, Watters says he stands on the shoulders of dancers akin to Lauren Anderson.

Celebrating Ladies’s Historical past Month: Spreading the love of ballet

“She is a Houston icon and legend and an enormous function mannequin and inspiration in my profession. I name her my ballet fairy godmother,” mentioned Watters. “She has paved the way in which for, not solely dancers like me in Houston, however Black dancers in all places.” 

Watters mentioned he is grateful to be a part of a world-class firm that values artistry, approach, onerous work and dedication. 

“I’ve put within the hours for this second,” he mentioned.

This second is particularly vital as a result of it isn’t one Watters ever thought he would expertise — not as a result of he did not suppose he may do it, however as a result of he’d by no means seen it executed earlier than.

“I actually imagine that visibility is forex. It would not should be a financial one. It is illustration and to be a permission slip for the following era of dancers, or simply individuals normally, to say, ‘I can do this. I can do what makes me glad. I can put within the work of attaining a objective that I may not see doable for myself,’” mentioned Watters. “That brings me quite a lot of pleasure and that retains me displaying as much as class on daily basis and placing within the work. Realizing that by advocating for myself in my work, I am advocating for others.”

Houston Ballet’s first Hispanic principal honors her tradition whereas honing her craft

Greater than 800,000 individuals comply with Watters on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the place he says he discovered the arrogance to be his genuine self. He discusses that and way more in a dialog with digital anchor Brandi Smith. You may watch it within the video above.

To purchase tickets to ‘Sylvia’ or to be taught extra concerning the 2022-23 Houston Ballet season, go to their web site.