A seasoned dancer-turned-arts executive is taking center stage at Houston Ballet.
Houston Ballet announced Monday that Sonja Kostich has been named its new executive director, following the retirement of longtime leader Jim Nelson.
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Kostich most recently served as president and executive director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York.
The former professional dancer was hired by Mikhail Baryshnikov at age 17 to join American Ballet Theatre and later performed with companies including the San Francisco Ballet, Zurich Ballet, and White Oak Dance Project.
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After retiring from performing, Kostich built an impressive business résumé, earning a business degree from the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch College, where she graduated salutatorian at 42.
She later completed a master’s in arts administration and has held leadership positions with Goldman Sachs, Mark Morris Dance Group, New York City Center, and Kaatsbaan Cultural Park.
“Houston Ballet is an exemplary company with exceptional artists, dedicated employees, and a robust history of supporters and audience goers. I am deeply humbled and honored to build upon the Company’s remarkable legacy and look forward to developing thoughtful and valuable long-term relationships within the community,” Kostich said in a statement. “Ballet as an art form has a phenomenal capacity to generate real inspiration and engagement in all ages. I am thrilled by this opportunity to work with Stanton and Julie, truly accomplished and respected artistic leaders, as we work together on a firm vision for the limitless potential for the future of Houston Ballet.”
Kostich’s appointment also reunites her with Houston Ballet Co-Artistic Directors Julie Kent and Stanton Welch AM. Kostich and Kent previously danced together at American Ballet Theatre, and Kostich was an original cast member in Welch’s 1996 work “Maninyas” for San Francisco Ballet.
Houston Ballet Board Chair Kristy Bradshaw said the company is “thrilled” to welcome Kostich, citing her vision, creativity, and leadership as assets that will help elevate the organization’s global profile.