Dear Friends,
Welcome to Wonderland! It is with immense pleasure that I share my vibrant and imaginative ALICE (in wonderland) with you. As my first season as Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet draws to a close, I am filled with profound gratitude for the warm embrace and unwavering support I have received from you - our incredible community. Thank you!
It is a joy to share this unique journey down the rabbit hole, showcasing how dance, across ages and experience levels, can bring beloved stories to life and unite our community in shared wonder.
At The Washington Ballet, we believe in the transformative power of dance. Through productions like ALICE (in wonderland), together, we witness firsthand how movement can ignite imaginations, evoke emotions, and foster a profound sense of connection.
Our whimsical and captivating production is a testament to the collaborative spirit of TWB, bringing together our talented professional dancers, imaginative designers, and dedicated staff to create an experience that we hope will delight and inspire audiences of all ages. We are also incredibly proud to share the stage with the talented student dancers from The Washington School of Ballet, whose passion and dedication add a special layer of vibrancy to this production.
With this program, we invite you to explore our enduring mission to enrich our community through the beauty and power of movement. We hope you find pathways to connect more deeply with our art form and become an integral part of our unfolding narrative.
Thank you for being a part of The Washington Ballet community. We hope you enjoy your adventure in Wonderland!
Edwaard Liang
Artistic Director
Photo: Edwaard Liang by Ceylon Mitchell
Presents
April 24-27 | Capital One Hall
CHOREOGRAPHY
Edwaard Liang
COSTUME DESIGN
Liz Vandal
SCENIC DESIGN
James Kronzer
LIGHTING DESIGN
Jack Mehler
PUPPET DESIGN
Eric J. Van Wyk
MUSIC ARRANGEMENT
Oliver Peter Graber
COMPOSERS
Edward Elgar and Gustav Holst
PERFORMANCE CAST
See Tonight's Cast
CREATIVE TEAM
Andres Estevez & Tamás Krizsa, Rehearsal Directors
Zoica Tover, Student's Rehearsal Director
Jack Mehler, Lighting Director
Suzi Kilbourne, Production Stage Manager
Madeline Garland, Student's Coordinator
This story has been adapted from the original stories of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
Program Notes are courtesy of Ballet Met
HEDGEHOGS Raia Aaron Reaghan Carroll Valentina Castro-Arias Makayla Conners Caroline Cooke Alice D'Amico Lennox Friend Sophia Gitau Elliott Koskiniemi-Sanchez Kayla Li Mercedes Nelson Okamoto Eline Paik Bianca Piccolo Rafaela Piccolo Giulia Rambo Emmeline Rowe Valentina Castro-Arias PIGLETS DAISIES | JUNIOR CARDS SMALL DOORS SANDWICH CARDS |
SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH
The Washington School of Ballet's NW Campus Summer Programs offer 325+ students from around the world the chance to train with acclaimed faculty. In a nurturing environment, students explore their artistic potential. TWSB's best-in-class faculty, unified curriculum, and student-centered approach set a new standard in ballet education.
TO LEARN MORE CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW
OR VISIT WASHINGTONBALLET.ORG/SUMMER-PROGRAMS
ADULTS TAKE CENTER STAGE
Spotlight on Adult Open Classes
At The Washington School of Ballet, it’s never too late to dance. While many begin ballet in childhood, our Adult Program proves that the studio is open to all—whether you’re returning after years away or trying your first plié.
“I want to make dance accessible to everyone. To use dance as a means to improve the quality of one’s daily life; to build community; and bring different communities together through dance.” says Adult Program Head, Miya Hisaka. A seasoned choreographer and educator, Hisaka has directed and shaped a program that welcomes dancers of all backgrounds.
The school’s Open Class for Adults offers ballet, conditioning, and movement courses that emphasize both technique and enjoyment. As Glamour magazine noted in their recent The Joys and Pains of Adult Ballet article about the program, ballet is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding. This balance draws students who are seeking personal challenge, creative expression, or simply the joy of movement.
Adult student Shu Denhart, whose daughter also danced at The Washington School of Ballet, shares: “I fell in love with ballet from my first class at TWSB. Dancing once felt out of reach, but with the support of amazing teachers and a welcoming community, I’ve found a second home and a lifelong passion.”
For those looking to take their training beyond the studio, the Adult Concert offers a unique opportunity: the thrill of performing on stage. Each year, dancers from all walks of life come together to showcase their progress, passion, and the sheer joy of movement. And for those in the audience who have always dreamed of dancing? There’s still time to step into class and start the journey.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ADULT OPEN CLASSES
VISIT WASHINGTONBALLET.ORG/OPEN-CLASSES
Photo Credits:
Summer Programs - School Director Trinidad Vives and Artistic Director Edwaard Liang with TWSB Students by Jonathan Thorpe
Miya Hisaka headshot by ©xmbphotography
TWSB Adult Open Class Students by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
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DANCE FOR ALL
2025
Dance For All is TWB's community engagement initiative that brings an intentional focus on providing dance experiences to all 8 Wards of Washington, DC. In May, The Washington Ballet will kick off its 6th annual series of free events. Highlights included youth and adult classes at TWSB, Pilates in the Park with the Capital Riverfront BID, and dance and story-time demonstrations with the DC Public Library.
Pilates in the ParkThurs. May 8 | 5:30-6:30 PMJoin us and the Capital Riverfront BID for a relaxing and energizing outdoor Pilates workout session at The Yards Park led by company dancer, Samara Rittinger. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates pro or trying it out for the first time, we'll guide you through a fun and effective workout. Don't miss out on this chance to rejuvenate your body and mind. |  | |
CityCenterDC PerformancesThurs. May 22-Sat. May 24 | 6:30 PMTWB returns to CityCenter this May 22-24 with three FREE performances at The Plaza at CityCenterDC! Each evening will feature a unique free program of classic pas de deux and energetic contemporary, including highlights from the 2024-25 Season alongside enticing previews of the 2025-26 Season. |  |
Learn more and find an event near you!
More to come as we add more opportunities
Photo Credits:
Top Left: TWB Artists by ©xmbphotography
Top Right: DeMoya Watson Brown and Storytime guests by Cullen Livingstone for NBM
CityCenterDC: TWB Artists by ©xmbphotography
