The ‘Pointe’ of Merging Fashion and Ballet through Harper Watters

If the world of Ballet were to hold an annual coronation, Harper Watters would be next to recieve his crown. The Houston Ballet soloist is changing the face of ballet for Black people and the LBGTQIA+ community. His flare to push the creative needle in fashion and dance has been a choice topic to date, but not without warrant.

Photography by Bronson Farr

Pushing the traditionally conservative world of ballet to the edge, Harper’s dedication to creating a presence for fashion in dance cannot be ignored. His bold colors and flowing fabrics do not compromise his technical skills and natural grace – effortlessly dancing in an array of high heels to the shock of many.

A soloist for the Houston Ballet and a social media sensation, the Texas-based dancer is a viral figure for being just as fashionable on and off stage. His love for the art of dance and high fashions commands attention and considerable accreditation.

After being gifted a pair of heels from a close friend, Harper thought it would be funny to record himself performing routines on a treadmill. Millions of views later-it's safe to say the rest was history. The young visionary continues to put on-not only for himself, but for the countless others who see themselves when they see him.

In an interview with ABC13, Harper states ,”I had to take pride in who I was as a person. I had to take pride in who I am as a dancer. I had to take pride in who I am as a black person. By doing that, by taking care of my dancing, by taking care of my identity, by taking care of my gender, my dancing became better."

Harper continues to shine and inspire others by giving a preview of his life in Ballet through his YouTube channel, The Pre-show. Instinctively a rising icon Harper Watters is an ideal representative for creatives, gay Black men, and fashionistas.

Keep up with his exciting journey on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.