Houston – The story of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has come to life on stage at the Wortham Center. Through movement, music, and powerful storytelling, the Houston Ballet is presenting Broken Wings, a ballet inspired by Kahlo’s remarkable life.
The production is part of a mixed repertory program, which means audiences experience several different ballets in one evening. Along with Broken Wings, the program also features the world premiere of Mason Bates’ Stereo is King and Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort. Both are works that highlight the range of styles and storytelling that make ballet so dynamic.
At the center of the production is Houston Ballet principal dancer Karina González, who takes on the role of Kahlo herself. González, who was promoted to principal dancer in 2013, says portraying the iconic artist has been deeply personal.
As a Latina dancer originally from Venezuela, she says stepping into Kahlo’s story is both an honor and a responsibility.
“It’s been a deeply personal experience,” González said. “As a Hispanic woman, to portray such an iconic figure. ”She became a symbol of strength, resilience, and self-identity. I don’t think I could feel more proud and honored to represent such an iconic figure.“
González says she feels a strong connection to Kahlo’s groundbreaking influence as a Latina artist who gained international recognition, citing Houston life and co-host Tessa Barrera’s comment that she is the first Latina principal dancer for Houston Ballet.
As part of preparing for the role, González had the chance to visit a special exhibition featuring Kahlo’s work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The collaboration between the museum and Houston Ballet allowed dancers to experience Kahlo’s artwork up close.
Standing in front of Kahlo’s paintings, González says, helped her better understand the artist’s spirit and emotional depth.
“It helped me find her spirit, her strength. Just looking at her portraits. It’s something -- still get goosebumps.”
Bringing Kahlo’s life to the stage also comes with challenges. González describes the role as both physically and emotionally demanding.
Kahlo endured tremendous hardship throughout her life, including serious injuries and ongoing health struggles. Rather than portraying her as a victim, the ballet explores how she transformed pain into powerful art.
For González, she says it was also a journey for her to discover the emotional weight.
The ballet’s choreography was created by acclaimed choreographer Annabelle López Ochoa, who González says has become a powerful voice for women in the ballet world.
Her choreography blends bold imagery with storytelling that makes Kahlo’s life accessible for audiences.
“The choreography is so powerful, theatrical and so easy to the eye for the audience to understand.”
The production also features elaborate costumes and props that dancers must rehearse with extensively before stepping on stage. Flowing dresses and layered fabrics play an important role in representing cultural identity and visual storytelling.
Dancers often spend weeks practicing with the costumes so they can move seamlessly through lifts, turns and partner work.
Despite the physical demands, González says bringing Kahlo’s story to life has been incredibly rewarding. She also credits Houston’s strong arts community for supporting productions like this.
Audiences still have three opportunities to see the performance. Broken Wings runs at the Wortham Theater Center through March 22.