Today we’d like to introduce you to Harper Watters.
Harper, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My story starts with a young African American boy, adopted from Atlanta, Georgia who grew up in New Hampshire. With a constant need to move and an even stronger need for attention, dance classes were inevitable. My first recital performance I was front and center, wearing a gold sequin vest, the only boy in a sea of 30 girls. I was LIVING. I joined a competition dance studio at age 11, and I credit it for providing me with the fundamentals of my dance training. At 14 my training brought me to the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, and at 16 I moved to Houston in 2009. Initially just for a 6 week summer program, one thing led to another and I’ve spent nearly 10 years here and I’m currently a soloist with the Houston Ballet.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I’m a professional ballet dancer. Utilizing my training and by making artistic choices, my job is to bring steps to life in a transformative way on stage. When you watch me dance I want you to see me, Harper. Ballet allows me to internalize the power of being open and honest. I want my dancing to convey authentic emotions and for the audience to believe every intention. Ballet requires physicality, artistry, and a high level of technique. There’s no faking it. My dancing changed the minute I was honest with who I was. I dance with confidence and no apologies. It’s special to be able to call yourself a classical ballet dancer, and even more special to be happy with who you are. That’s my message. That the biggest strength you possess, is the power of being yourself.
The stereotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
My best advice would be to really identify what you want to be as an artist, who are the artists that inspire, and what was their journey. Then get creative in how you can connect with them or start to take the steps to emulate their accomplishments your way. Does the photographer you like offer internships? Can you take ballet classes in return for working the front desk at the studio? What local hot spots are looking for musical acts? People would be incredibly surprised at how much artists and creatives are willing to help and collaborate with new people. The worst thing someone can say is no, and karma is real so leave them behind.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Whether it’s dancing in Swan Lake, running on a treadmill in pink heels, or backstage with my company getting ready for a show there are PLENTY of ways to see my work. First and foremost, come see Houston Ballet perform! I think 90% of people who say they’ve been to the ballet have only seen the Nutcracker. Challenge yourself to see something different. We offer such a diverse rep of full length story ballets to thrilling and thought provoking one act ballets.
My Instagram @theharperwatters is really a testament to how I’ve pushed the boundaries of what people think a ballet dancer should and can do! My love of all things social media has given me the opportunity to collab with incredible photographers, brands, and content creators. People who never knew a thing about ballet, but were open to finding common interests and creating off of them. Behind the artist you see onstage there is everything that inspires. That is what I share on my Instagram.
My YouTube channel “The Harper Watters” is where I post ‘The Pre Show’. The Pre Show is a YouTube web series that highlights the Houston Ballet dancers, shown through my eyes. Think Oprah and Beyoncé love child, who joined one of the largest ballet companies in the US. Tons of ballet, banter, boys, and LOTS of backstage shenanigans. A uniquely fun, loud, and entertaining peek inside the world of classical ballet.
Contact Info:
- Address: Houston Ballet
601 Preston Street
Houston, Texas 77002 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theharperwatters
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHarperWatters/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Harper_Watters
- Other: www.youtube.com/theharperwatters
Image Credit:
Black Portrait Headshot with Black hat — Alana Campbell
Leg up in blue unitard — Rachel Neville
Onstage picture — Amitav Sarkar for Houston Ballet
Multi colored back bend picture — Mike Ruiz
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
