Lang. This special production was broadcast live on television across several European countries and was then formatted into a documentary film. For his contributions to the world of dance, Welch was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2015. The prestigious Order of Australia Award is bestowed on Australian citizens for meritorious service in a particular area or field of activity. Welch was recognized for his significant service to the performing arts as a ballet dancer, mentor, choreographer, and artistic director. In 2012, James Nelson was promoted from General Manager of Houston Ballet to the role of Executive Director. Through his leadership, Nelson has successfully guided the company financially through growth in the number of dancers and of performances and through several international tours, while also navigating the largest threat to Houston Ballet's financial stability, Hurricane Harvey. [citation needed] During 2019–20, Stanton Welch AM and James Nelson lead Houston Ballet into its 50th anniversary. Julie Kent is set to join Welch as co-artistic director in July 2023. Dancers Number of dancers On March 21, 1956, Tatiana Semenova presented 12 student dancers (six girls, six boys), including Suzelle Poole, in the first dance recital for Houston Foundation for Ballet. On February 17, 1969, Nina Popova's newly formed professional company debuted at Sam Houston State Teachers College in Huntsville, Texas, which launched their Texas tour consisting of a 23-city tour of the state. They concluded the tour with their first performance in Jones Hall on May 14, 1969. By 1971–72, Houston Ballet was dancing a 26-week season with an expanded 18-member company. By the end of the 1973–74 season, the number of dancers had increased to 32. Ben Stevenson presented a company of 28 dancers in his first year as Artistic Director. During the next 11 years, Stevenson would grow the company, and in his final year as Artistic Director, the number of dancers was 52. After he was appointed Artistic Director, Stanton Welch continued to grow the size of the company. In 2015, Houston Ballet implemented a five-year strategic plan with goals to expand the company to 65 dancers by 2020. For the 2020–2021 season the company has 56 total dancers. Rankings Houston Ballet ranks their dancers in the following categories, beginning with entry level: Apprentice, Corps de Ballet, Demi Soloist, Soloist, First Soloist, and Principal. Houston Ballet Academy Houston Ballet Academy trains over 1,000 students a year and offers