Welcome to Giselle.
Giselle holds a very special place in my heart, as it helped spark my own love for dance. As a young student, it was one of the first ballets I ever saw, and it has remained a personal favorite for me ever since. Being able to bring this story to you now is a privilege I am honored to share with you.
While the choreography I have created is inspired by the versions of Giselle I grew up watching, this production offers a departure from the traditional. Featuring a striking visual experience designed by Jack Mehler that is both minimal and painterly. By paring down the costumes and the set, we invite you to focus on what truly matters: the dancers, the characters, and the raw, human emotion of this heartbreakingly beautiful story. Performing it here at Harman Hall is intense and intimate—you are right there with the artists as they inhabit these roles in their prime.
One of the elements I am most proud of is the energy our students bring to the stage. I’ve always believed that you cannot truly create a world on stage without young people, and seeing students from our Washington School of Ballet dance alongside our professional company is a testament to the vitality of our work. We share a community where our artists and our audience come together to keep the heartbeat of this art form strong.
Thank you for being part of the TWB community. Your presence here is a reminder of why we do what we do. It is your belief in our mission and your engagement with our work that allows us to dream confidently and create the experience you’ll have tonight.
Enjoy the performance,
Edwaard Liang
Artistic Director
P.S. Keep an eye out for the transition to the second act—the world of the Wilis—where the stage design offers a breathtaking moment that I hope leaves you feeling truly moved.
Edwaard Liang photo by Jonathan Thorpe
Presents
February 27-March 8, 2026 | Sidney Harman Hall
This production was made possible through generous underwriting by Denise Littlefield Sobel.
CHOREOGRAPHY
Edwaard Liang, Artistic Director
MUSIC
Adolphe Adam
SCENIC DESIGN AND LIGHTING DESIGN
Jack Mehler
COSTUME DESIGN
Erin Rollins
PERFORMANCE CAST
See Cast
CREATIVE TEAM
Andres Estevez & Tamás Krizsa, Rehearsal Directors
Zoica Tovar, Stager
Suzi Kilbourne, Production Stage Manager
Ashley Pennington, Stage Manager
Madeline Garland, Student Production Manager
CINDERELLA
A CLASSIC TALE WITH A MODERN HEART
Step into a world of wonder with Edwaard Liang’s Cinderella, a bold reimagining of a timeless tale. Feel Cinderella’s resilience and hope blossom through breathtaking choreography that blends classic grace with modern expression, all set to Prokofiev’s hauntingly beautiful score. Judanna Lynn’s exquisite costumes create a visually captivating world where elegance meets determination. This spectacular production showcases the full strength of your TWB, with our professional company alongside over 85 talented student dancers. Prepare for a lush, family-friendly experience, reminiscent of the magic you loved in The Nutcracker and ALICE (in wonderland). Bring your family and discover a Cinderella that will touch your heart and ignite your imagination.
Single Tickets On Sale Soon
TECHNICAL MASTERY.
ARTISTIC STRENGTH.
At The Washington School of Ballet, we bridge the gap between where students are and where they want to be. Our nurturing, high-caliber environment supports your growth technically, artistically, and personally.
What You’ll Gain at TWSB:
Professional Path: A structured syllabus emphasizing classical mastery and contemporary versatility.
Expanded Technique: Advanced training in partnering, male variations, and whole-dancer wellness.
Professional-Level Repertoire: Opportunities to learn company-level work, allowing students to push their boundaries alongside a world-class faculty.
Level Up Your Training: Full scholarships and tuition assistance available for exceptional talent.
Northwest Campus Summer Programs
Summer Intensive | Junior Rep Week | TWB Repertory Experience |
Southeast Campus Summer Programs
Summer Intensive for Levels 2-6 and Teens
For Dancers 10-18
June 22-July 24
Learn More About All Summer Programs at
www.washingtonballet.org/school
or Call 202.362.3606
All photos by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
DANCE FOR EVERY BODY.
EVERY LEVEL. EVERY DAY.
Whether you’re a lifelong dancer or just curious to try ballet, our Adult Open Classes offer a flexible, inspiring way to move, learn, and connect. Drop-in classes are offered year-round for every level, from first-timers to advanced students.
Why Adults Love Dancing With Us
Accessible Training: Every body and experience level welcome.
Flexible Schedule: Daily drop-in classes offered across 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.
Upcoming Masterclasses
Street Dance with Esperonto Bean
April 25 | 2:00PM & 3:45PM
COMMERCIAL JAZZ WITH DEREK BROWN
May 16 & June 13 | 11:00AM-12:30PM
West African Dance with KanKouran West African Dance Company
May 30 | 3:15-4:45PM
Learn More:
www.washingtonballet.org/open-classes
or Call 202.362.3606
Adult Concert 2026
5 Performances | April 16-19
Save the Date for this community-favorite concert featuring students from TWSB’s Adult Program. Featuring classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works choreographed by Tamás Krizsa, Miya Hisaka/Kevin Malone, Alvaro Palau, Rena Bernardini, Andrei Yemelianov, and Jocelyn Cox.
Tickets: Available Monday, March 16
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 Thursday 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 FOR ALL
Spring is coming, and so is Dance For All, The Washington Ballet's city-wide celebration of dance and movement. Get ready for a full month of events and activities! Dance For All is a community engagement initiative that brings the joy and artistry of dance to every quadrant in Washington, DC, through free performances, demonstrations, and dance classes.
Join us for FREE Adult Classes April 20 - 26!
Current class list includes:
Monday at 11:00AM - Floor Barre
Monday at 12:00PM - Beginner 1 Ballet
Tuesday at 10:00AM - Advanced Ballet
Tuesday at 12:00PM - Beginner II Jazz
Tuesday at 7:30PM - Open Level Modern at THEARC
Wednesday at 10:00AM - Advanced Beginner Ballet
Wednesday at 11:00AM - Mat Pilates
Wednesday at 12:00PM - Beginner 1 Ballet
Thursday at 9:45AM - Intermediate Ballet
Thursday at 8:00PM - Open Level Ballet at THEARC
Friday at 7:15PM - Open Level Contemporary
Plus... more classes, including opportunities for Youth, to be added soon!
Visit us online to stay up to date on all Dance For All opportunities.
Photo Credits: Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
