Benjamin Houk

Benjamin Houk joined the Company as Artistic Director in 1998. Houk was chosen from a final field of six candidates, after Board President Jil Barnes saw he was "someone committed to education and outreach programs." At the time of his arrival, after serving two years as Nashville Ballet's Artistic Director, Fort Worth Dallas Ballet boasted thirty-two dancers and a brand new performance venue in Bass Hall. Under Houk's leadership, the Company expanded its repertoire to include more full-length ballets, 20th-century masterpieces, and contemporary works.

In May 2001, Fort Worth Dallas Ballet performed at the famous Joyce Theater in New York City, showing Stanton Welch's Fingerprints, Peter Anastos's Yes Virginia, Another Piano Ballet, and Kevin O'Day's Principia. The Company received glowing reviews for the duration of their week long stay in New York City.

With Houk's departure in 2001, Fort Worth Dallas Ballet entered a transitional period. For the 2001-2002 season, an interim artistic staff was appointed, with Bruce Marks as Artistic Advisor and Bruce Simpson as Ballet Master in Chief.