Volunteers are an essential part of the Houston Ballet family. If you’ve ever been to Nutcracker Market, you’ve probably been guided to your favorite booth by a volunteer. Students entering the Houston Ballet Center for Dance are welcomed by the friendly faces of volunteers. Not to mention, they feed our hungry students during the Summer Intensive program amongst many, many other duties.
Each season, Houston Ballet Academy awards these volunteers who commit their time to the Academy by naming the Academy Volunteer of the Year. This year’s award goes to a volunteer who continually injects her volunteer hours with enthusiasm and dedication, whether she’s greeting excited students for Studio Series or giving insightful tours of the Center for Dance. And although the doors to the Center for Dance are temporarily closed, her passion for Houston Ballet ceases to dim.
That is why Houston Ballet Academy is proud to name the longtime donor, subscriber and Guild member, Laurie Johnson, the seventh annual Academy Volunteer of the Year. Get to know Laurie below as she talks to us about the inspiration behind volunteering and what she misses most about Houston Ballet.
How are you and your family doing during the Stay-at-Home order? What do you miss most about being at Houston Ballet?
We are well and fortunate not to know anyone affected by the coronavirus. Besides there being no tours, I most miss the comradery of working with staff and other volunteers at the Center for Dance. However, I am loving all the new content provided by all the creative team at Houston Ballet! I watch the HB at Home daily videos, the Saturday Brunch with HB online full performances, and Facebook posts; all these make me feel part of it still and even offer a more intimate experience of the dancers and staff in a personal way.
When did your love for dance and the arts start?
I’ve always been a ballet nerd, I’d say. I read every book, studied every ballet company dancer, read bios. I’ve always really loved the art of ballet. I grew up dancing in Rochester at a ballet school that was affiliated with American Ballet Theater and Boston Ballet. I was a pro student if you compare it to what’s at the Academy today. The way I can participate now is by supporting the arts as a patron and volunteer.
What inspired you to volunteer at Houston Ballet?
It was natural. When I moved to Houston, I immediately joined the Guild and got involved with all the things that are my passion.
Which Houston Ballet events have you volunteered for?
I enjoy participating in several committees in the Guild. I serve lunches to Summer Intensive students through Academy Support. I chaperone school groups coming to the Center for Dance for Studio Series and into the Wortham for Student Matinees. I love to see the excitement on the faces of the young ones as they experience ballet for the first time, and perhaps go away dreaming of becoming a dancer themselves one day! For five or six years, I have assisted with setting up and distributing donated dancewear and costumes to school dance departments in our annual Graceful Givings. I enjoy the craftiness and hands-on work of making boxed pointe shoes and fairy wands at Wortham Boutique workshops, which are then sold to raise money for Houston Ballet. My favorite and most enjoyable “job” is providing Behind the Scenes tours, because I get to share my love for all things ballet. Of course, as a Guild member there are many social activities which have brought me new friendships and opportunities to be of service. Next year I will Co-Chair a new committee, developing appreciation events for Bravo members.
How long have you been Docent Co-Chair, and what do your duties entail?
After two years of learning from my predecessor and practicing by giving many Behind the Scenes building tours, I chaired the [docent] committee for two years. This year I am Co-Chair, passing along what I know to the next Guild Leaders.
What motivates you to stay involved?
I come from a strong volunteering background. Both my parents are extremely dedicated volunteers in their arenas. It’s just something that’s been a part of me. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering at a place where I really enjoy being there, and there’s something that I can do that’s productive and benefits the organization.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering with the Ballet?
It’s very rewarding. If you love ballet, there’s a place for you here.
by Jasmine Fuller