Dear Friends,
Welcome to The Nutcracker, a cherished part of our holiday season that stands as a beacon of artistry, wonder, and tradition in Washington, DC.
For over 60 years, The Washington Ballet has had the honor of being a holiday centerpiece for families who both visit and who call this city home. We are deeply grateful that you have chosen to make TWB part of this season.
The Nutcracker is a vibrant showcase of our mission. We hope the unwavering talent of our professional Company Dancers and the dedication of 400 students from The Washington School of Ballet wow you. Their shared joy for the art of dance brings this classic to life. Like all of our productions this season, TWSB students gain the invaluable experience of performing alongside our professional company, making this show another true testament to our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
Your presence here is a powerful affirmation of the role TWB plays in our community’s cultural life. We are only able to inspire, educate, and move audiences across generations because of your support.
We invite you to help sustain this tradition. Every dollar donated to TWB between now and December 31st will be matched, doubling your impact. Scroll for more details below. Your generosity ensures we can continue to create grand productions and support our world-class school.
Thank you for being part of the TWB family. We wish you a joyful and wonderful holiday season.
Warmly,
Edwaard Liang
Artistic Director
GIVE TODAY: To double your impact, visit give.washingtonballet.org/donate or text DONATE to (771) 224-8116.
This Holiday Season, Your Gift Goes Further
When you give to The Washington Ballet, you’re opening new doors for professional dancers, inspiring young artists, and bringing hope through programs like Dance for PD®.
Turn $500 into $1,000 • Turn $100 into $200 • Turn $50 into $100
DOUBLE Your Impact for The Washington Ballet
Our generous supporter, Denise Littlefield Sobel, is matching the first $250,000 in contributions made through the end of 2025, meaning every dollar becomes two—helping us to bring the power of dance into our community:
Breathtaking performances |
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Training the next generation |  | |
Life-changing programs for Parkinson’s patients and DC students |  |
Presents
November 28-December 28, 2025 | Warner Theatre
CHOREOGRAPHY
Septime Webre
MUSIC
Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky
SCENIC DESIGN
Peter Horne
COSTUME DESIGN
Judanna Lynn
LIGHTING DESIGN
Tony Tucci
LIGHTING DESIGN ADAPTATIONS
Elizabeth A. Coco
PERFORMANCE CAST
See Cast
CREATIVE TEAM
Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director
Andres Estevez & Tamás Krizsa, Rehearsal Directors
CeCe Farha, Student Rehearsal Director
Zoica Tovar, Stager
Suzi Kilbourne, Production Stage Manager
Ashley Pennington, Assistant Stage Manager
Madeline Garland, Student Coordinator
Aliya Siegel and Sydney Wiggins, Assistant Student Coordinators
STAGERS - STUDENTS
Rena Bernardini, Chloe Campbell, Christianne Campbell, Deborah Chen, Nicholas Cowden, Taylor Goman, Tammy Hurt, Ayano Kimura, Sofia Lutman, Kathlyn Monroe, Beatriz Moreira Leite, Eliza Rhodes, Arron Scott, Amanda Christine Sewell, Sydney Wiggins, Maggie Williamson
ASSOCIATE LIGHTING DIRECTOR
Paul Callahan**
LIGHTING DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION MANAGER
Elizabeth A. Coco**
HEAD ELECTRICIAN
Logan Duvall
PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN
Brian Flory*
COMPANY MANAGER
Gabe Friend-Jones
PROPERTIES MANAGER
Delante Gary*
PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT
Samantha Hadaway*
ASSISTANT WARDROBE SUPERVISOR
Carolynn Hawthorne
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND PRODUCTION CARPENTER
Chris Insley*
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Suzi Kilbourne
WARDROBE SUPERVISOR
Monica Leland
STAGE MANAGER
Ashley Pennington
DECK ELECTRICIAN
Kristen Roth*
STAGE MANAGER
Rachel Scherer
HAIR AND WIG MANAGER
Melissa Sibert
WARDROBE ASSISTANT
Sasha Zabela
PYROTECHNICS SUPERVISOR
Zachary Zimmerman
** Members of USA Local 829
*Members of I.A.T.S.E. Local 22
Photo by Sonia Bartolomeo
GISELLE
February 27-March 8, 2026 | Sidney Harman Hall
EXPERIENCE GISELLE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
Forget the familiar story you know. Edwaard Liang’s Giselle delivers an intensely immersive and strikingly modern experience. Step into a starkly beautiful world where love, devastating betrayal, and the astonishing power of forgiveness unfold with breathtaking fluidity. Witness Giselle’s radiant innocence shatter, leading to a profoundly emotional journey amplified by timeless music. The full talent of The Washington Ballet, company and students alike, unite to bring this bold vision to life against intentionally evocative scenic design. Feel the raw intensity of Giselle’s joy and heartbreak, mirroring your own capacity for love and loss within this uniquely conceived production. More than a performance, this Giselle will envelop you, offering a fresh lens on a beloved classic. Whether you seek powerful storytelling or a thrilling introduction to ballet, prepare to be captivated by a Giselle boldly reimagined for today.
Celebrate with TWB
Join us in experiencing the magic of dance, supporting the arts, and creating unforgettable memories. Be a part of our vibrant dance community in Washington, DC.
The Nutcracker Tea PartySunday, December 7, 2025 at 3:00PMThe Waldorf Astoria Each December, families across the region gather to celebrate one of Washington, DC’s most treasured holiday traditions—The Nutcracker Tea Party—and we invite you to be part of the magic. Join us for a delightful tea party featuring savory bites, sweet treats, holiday cocktails, and more. Plus, you'll enjoy meet-and-greet moments with the dancers of The Nutcracker, interactive activities, and tickets to a performance of your choice. Co-Chaired by Cynthia Gilmore and Sara Swabb |  | |
2026 Annual GalaFriday, April 17, 2026The National Cathedral Support and celebrate The Washington Ballet with our highly anticipated Annual Gala. The 2026 event is co-chaired by David DeSantis, Glenda Harvey, and Mary Slimp. |  |
Learn More at
www.washingtonballet.org/celebrate
Photo Credits:
The Nutcracker Tea Party by Cecilie Olaussen
Annual Gala by Tony Powell
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
At TWSB, students are immersed in an environment that nurtures artistic growth and technical excellence. Throughout this season, they also have the unique opportunity to perform in major productions including Moving Forces, The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Cinderella. These experiences are more than just performance opportunities—they are essential milestones in a dancer’s development, offering real-world stage experience alongside professional artists. This level of engagement reflects the high-caliber training provided by our faculty and reinforces our commitment to preparing the next generation of exceptional dancers.
From age 1 and up, students at The Washington School of Ballet train in a nurturing, high-caliber environment that supports their growth—technically, artistically, and personally. With a progressive curriculum, individualized instruction, expanded technique training, expert faculty, and a focus on dancer wellness, TWSB sets the standard for excellence in dance education.
Discover how your dancer can thrive
ADULT OPEN CLASSES
WHY ADULTS LOVE DANCING WITH US:
- Accessible Training: Every body and experience level welcome.
- Flexible Schedule: Drop-in classes offered daily at our NW and SE Campuses.
- A Variety of Offerings: Ballet, contemporary, conditioning, and more.
- Expert Faculty: National and international teaching artists guide every class, including company dancers from The Washington Ballet.
- Beyond the Studio: Invitations to masterclasses, seasonal workshops, and select performance opportunities.
- No Audition Required: Just register for a class and show up.
Your Dance Journey Begins Here
WINTER WORKSHOPS
Partnering Workshop with Alvaro Palau
Fridays, January 9-February 27 | 6:15PM-7:45PM
Designed for advanced dancers, this workshop builds confidence and technique in classical ballet partnering. Perfect for those preparing to audition for the Adult Concert, you'll refine lifts, weight sharing, and timing with expert coaching. Expect a focused, high-level experience that strengthens your artistry and stage readiness. Registration begins on Tuesday, December 2.
Missing Steps Workshop with Royce Zackery
Sundays, February 1-March 22 | 12:00PM-1:30PM
Strengthen your foundation with this focused workshop for advanced beginner dancers. You'll work through essential steps often skipped in traditional training, using phrases from classical ballets like Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Build confidence in linking movements, jumps, and turns across ballet styles, with role-specific guidance for strength, presentation, and pointe-prep. No performance pressure—just the tools you need to grow your technique and move forward with clarity. Registration begins on Monday, January 5.
NEW CLASSES BEGINNING IN JANUARY 2026
- New to Ballet Fundamentals with Marcela Paz Palau
- Beginner I Ballet with Marcela Paz Palau
- Beginner II Jazz Technique with Vanessa Carmichael-Elder
- Mat Pilates with Nardia Boodoo
- Beginner 1 Ballet with Marcela Paz Palau
- New to Ballet Fundamentals with Nikolai Fedorov
All photos by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
Intrinsic to The Washington Ballet’s mission to bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation’s capital, our community programs provide a variety of opportunities to connect children and adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to the art of dance. Our reach throughout the DMV demonstrates our intentional focus on community impact through live performances, audience enrichment programs, the highest-caliber dance training, and educational events. We seek to spark and enhance a love for dance, celebrate a wide range of identities, and enrich the lives of those in our community.
Dance for PD© @ NW Campus
Thursdays | 2:00-3:15PM
What if movement could help you feel steadier, more expressive, and more connected to others? Dance can do more than lift spirits—it can improve balance, coordination, and mobility for people living with Parkinson’s. That’s the foundation of Dance for PD®, where movement becomes a tool for wellness and creative expression.
Join us in person each Thursdays at our Cathedral Commons studio or virtually from home. Pre-register online to save your spot. Walk-ins are welcome and TWB staff are ready to assist with registration.
“I’m thrilled to be back for our third year of classes with The Washington Ballet and Dance for PD© – Mid-Atlantic. Our Thursday sessions at TWB are full of joy, movement, and connection. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or joining as a care partner or family member, you’re warmly welcomed—no dance experience needed. I can’t wait to dance with you!” - Lucy Bowen McCauley, Dance for PD® Teaching Artist
DANCE DC
Our Dance DC arts integration program continues to provide in-school workshops and residencies to Pre-K through 12th-grade students in public and charter schools in the DMV. Guided by the National Core Arts Standards for Dance and serving as a complement to school curriculum needs, the program integrates movement into core subject classes, including reading, math, science, and world history, to improve students’ academic achievement. As a part of our commitment to create pipelines and pathways for young people of all backgrounds, The Washington Ballet awards Dance DC Merit Scholarships to students in 2nd through 4th grades who have participated in a Dance DC ballet residency and demonstrated exceptional talent and potential.
Learn about bringing Dance DC to a school in your community.
Photo Credit: Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
