HOUSTON The Houston Ballet is proud to announce the promotion of Tyler Donatelli to Principal Dancer. Formally a First Soloist, Donatelli was promoted on Friday evening of December 5, 2025 after starring in Houston Ballet’s annual Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance. Recently, the beautiful American dancer performed at the Teatro Duse in Bologna as a guest of Angelo Greco's and Friends Gala, which we review on DANZA&DANZA International No. 52, available on the app store.

Donatelli’s elevation follows a standout year defined by major leading roles and breakthrough performances that solidified her as one of the Company’s most captivating and versatile dancers. Over the last season, Donatelli made her debut as Olga in Onegin; danced the lead woman in Theme and Variations; and originated a lead role as Princess Heather in Stanton Welch’s Raymonda. She also delivered notable performances as Princess Florine in Ben Stevenson’s The Sleeping Beauty and as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Welch’s The Nutcracker. Across Houston Ballet’s mixed repertoire programs, she continued to command the stage with artistic range and technical assurance, consistently emerging as a standout presence.

Donatelli joined Houston Ballet II in 2013 and has risen through every rank of the organization, becoming an apprentice in 2014, a Corps de Ballet member in 2015, a Demi Soloist and Soloist in 2017, and a First Soloist in 2022. Her promotion to Principal recognizes not only her remarkable growth and performance achievements, but also the creative depth and storytelling she brings to the stage.

Houston Ballet celebrates Donatelli as she steps into this new chapter in her distinguished career.

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