From all of us at The Washington Ballet, thank you for joining us for this electric season opener. For many of you, this is your very first time seeing our company, and that means so much to us. We hope you enjoy the performance and will return for more. To those who have been with us season after season, it is wonderful to have you back, and we are incredibly grateful for your loyalty..
Go-Go 50 opens our 50th Anniversary Season, and is intended to do more than mark this milestone occasion. I wanted the start of our 2026/27 season to hold everything this company is: where we come from, who we are today, and where we are going. Go-Go 50 celebrates all three.
Our past is here in the pas de deux from Configurations by Choo San Goh, whose choreography helped define this company in its early years. Configurations was also one of the first ballets I ever saw, not live, but flickering on the tv screen from a VHS recording. It left a permanent imprint on the artist in me and helped ignite my own lifelong love of dance.
I hope that for each of you, something you see on this stage leaves that same indelible mark on you.
Our present comes to life through two works close to my heart. My dear friend Trey McIntyre created Blue Until June for this company, and it is a joy to see it return to our stage. Art of War, my own work, showcases the strength and artistry of the dancers who make up The Washington Ballet today.
Our future begins with a world premiere. Go-Go was born in Washington, and it holds a place in this city that is entirely its own. When I first imagined a collaboration with Go-Go music, I invited Chanel DaSilva to be part of the journey. With DC’s own Black Alley performing live, An Artist’s Prayer has grown into something beyond what I thought possible.
This work was shaped with care, alongside the people who know this music best. Thank you to the Go-Go Museum, to Black Alley, and to our friends throughout the Go-Go community for helping us honor what Go-Go means to DC.
Your presence here is a reminder of why we do what we do. You are what allows us to dream confidently, create fearlessly, and look ahead to our next 50 years. And we look forward to having you beside us.
With gratitude,
Edwaard Liang
Artistic Director
Thank you for being here. Of all the ways I could have started by first season as Executive Director of The Washington Ballet, I can’t imagine a better one than sharing this performance with you.
After 30 years with Charlotte Ballet, my wife, Viki, and I are proud to now call Washington home. On our first trip here this past August, one of the places we visited was the Go-Go Museum. We were genuinely blown away by how deeply Go-Go is woven into the history, identity, and culture of this city. To arrive during a season that celebrates fifty years of Go-Go and 50 years of The Washington Ballet feels like a true gift.
I want to recognize Edwaard for his vision and his support of Chanel DaSilva’s artistic exploration. By embracing this project, he has given The Washington Ballet community an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and connect more deeply with the city we call home.
Edwaard and I have a shared responsibility for our community. Caring for everything that makes it possible: the dancers who prepare every day, the staff teams who promote and bring each production to life, and the faculty, students and their families that are committed excellence in training as well as our teaching arts and community partners that share the joy dance across the DMV. The Washington Ballet is a mission-driven institution that advances artistic excellence, transforms lives through education, and strengthens communities through the power of dance. I’ve been here only for a short time, but I already understand what makes it special: YOU DO.
50 years of The Washington Ballet were built by people who believed in our mission. This season is about building what comes next. Whether this is your first time with us or your 50th, you are an essential part of our story.
What you experience today is only possible because of a community of supporters who believe in the power of dance. We invite you to join us in shaping the future of The Washington Ballet. Your generosity helps us create transformative performances, expand access to dance, and develop the artists who will inspire tomorrow's audiences. A hundred-year legacy is not built in a single generation. It is built by people like you who choose to invest in what comes next.
With appreciation,
Doug Singleton
Executive Director
Edwaard Liang photo by Jonathan Thorpe, Doug Singleton Photo by Ceylon Mitchell
Go-Go 50
October 30-November 1, 2026 | Warner Theatre
Sponsored by Luanne Adams and Murrell Smith
PROGRAM ORDER
Blue Until June by Trey McIntyre
Sponsored by Virginia McGehee Friend
Staged by Erin Du
Music by Etta James
Costume and Set Design by Sandra Woodall
Lighting Design by Clifton Taylor
Lighting remounted by Elizabeth A. Coco
- Intermission -
Configuration (pas de deux) by Choo San Goh
Sponsored by Rick Kasten
Staged by Janek Schergen
Music by Samuel Barber, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 38
Costume Design by Carol Vollet Kingston
Lighting Design by Tony Tucci
Lighting Design adapted by Elizabeth A. Coco
- Pause -
Art of War by Edwaard Liang
Music by Michael Torke, "Ash"
Lighting Design: Les Dickert
Lighting remounted by Elizabeth A. Coco
- Intermission -
An Artist's Prayer by Chanel DaSilva
Music by Black Alley
Costume Design by Bekah Nettekoven Tello
Lighting Designer by Elizabeth A. Coco
**Please note, this piece will include flashing lights**
PERFORMANCE CAST
See Cast
CREATIVE TEAM
Andres Estevez & Tamás Krizsa, Rehearsal Directors
PRODUCTION TEAM
Enoch Chan, Director of Production
Elizabeth A. Coco Duvall, Lighting Director/Associate Production Manager
Logan Duvall, Head Production Electrician
Brian, Flory, Head Production Electrician
Ryan Gravett, Sound Designer
Samantha Hadaway, Props Manager
Chris Insley, Production Carpenter
Suzi Kilbourne, Production Stage Manager
Monica Leland, Shoe Manager
Ashley Pennington, Stage Manager
Jeanette Porter, Wardrobe Supervisor
Kristen Roth, Deck Electrician
Kassi Tiedjens, Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor
Sasha Zabela, Wardrobe Assistant
Photo by Tony Powell
THE NUTCRACKER
November 28–December 27, 2026
Warner Theatre
Choreography by Septime Webre
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Spirit of the Holidays Meets 250 Years of American History
For more than six decades, the holiday season in Washington has meant The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Set in 1882 Georgetown, this D.C. original is our city’s living scrapbook, bringing together our professional company and students of The Washington School of Ballet. This year, as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, history and holiday tradition collide: George Washington and King George III settle their legendary score in a spectacular battle between our heroic Nutcracker and a regal, becaped Rat King. From the soaring flight of the Bald Eagle to the dancing dolls Lady Liberty and John Paul Jones, it’s a celebration of our history, our artistry, and our home. Gather your family and make it part of your holiday tradition.
Photo by Tony Powell
DRACULA
World Premiere
February 12–21, 2027 | Sidney Harman Hall
Choreography by Edwaard Liang
Music by Oliver Peter Graber
A DANCE BETWEEN LIFE AND ETERNITY
Step into the shadows and rediscover a legendary tale. At the heart of our 50th Anniversary Season, Artistic Director Edwaard Liang crafts an original retelling of Dracula, exploring the depths of humanity and the tragic transformations of this hauntingly familiar story. Guided by a sweeping soundscape from Oliver Peter Graber that builds to the emotional reckoning of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, this world premiere reveals a world of psychological intimacy and deep-seated desire. From the breathtaking sight of a bride in flight to lush, gothic sets and costumes, every moment celebrates the raw beauty of dance. Whether you are a lifelong friend of the ballet or joining us for the first time, discover a story that proves true passion is truly immortal.
Dracula is recommended for ages 14+ and contains mature themes, including violence, blood, and sexuality.
Photo by Tony Powell
ROMEO & JULIET
May 14–16, 2027 | The National Theatre
Choreography by Edwaard Liang
Music by Sergei Prokofiev
LOVE. FATE. EVERYTHING AT STAKE.
You know the story, but you’ve never felt it like this. Two young people fall deeply in love despite a world that insists they should not. In Edwaard Liang’s Romeo & Juliet, the emotion feels immediate, urgent, and unmistakably human. Set against a vivid Renaissance world, Liang’s choreography brings new momentum to Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Sweeping ensemble scenes, intimate duets, and gripping sword fights unfold alongside Prokofiev’s unforgettable score, revealing the tension, tenderness, and impossible choices at the heart of the story. Whether you know Romeo & Juliet by heart or are experiencing it for the first time, feel the stakes behind one of history’s most enduring love stories.
Romeo & Juliet is sponsored by Denise Littlefield Sobel.
Photo by Tony Powell
MADE IN WASHINGTON: A 50TH SEASON FINALE AT WOLF TRAP
Thursday, June 10, 2027 at 8:00PM | Wolf Trap’s Filene Center
Choreography by Edwaard Liang, Trey McIntyre, and Septime Webre
THE FINAL BOW OF 50 YEARS
For one night only, join The Washington Ballet at Wolf Trap as we close our landmark 50th Season under the summer sky. This special performance brings together three contemporary works with deep roots in Washington, each originally created here in DC and emblematic of TWB’s artistic legacy. Feel the raw heartbreak of the blues in Trey McIntyre’s Blue Until June, set to the soulful vocals of Etta James. Enter the dreamlike landscape of Edwaard Liang’s Wunderland, where sweeping movement meets the music of Philip Glass. Then dance to the joyful spirit of Havana in Septime Webre’s Juanita y Alicia, a warm tribute to family heritage set to traditional Cuban rhythms performed by a live band. Gather your friends, pack a picnic, and join us for a twilight celebration of your TWB.
Subscribe to the 2026/27 Season
Tickets are available now to 2026/27 Season subscribers. Single tickets go on sale to Wolf Trap members and the public in early 2027.
CELEBRATE WITH US.
DANCE FORWARD.
Every ticket, sponsorship, and gift to The Washington Ballet keeps dance growing across our city, in our studios, in our schools, and in our communities.
The Nutcracker Tea Party
Sunday, December 6, 2026 • 3:00pm
Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, 1301 Constitution Ave NW
Co-chaired by Hastie Afkhami and Jennifer Frost
A beloved DC holiday tradition returns in a stunning new setting. Gather your family for an afternoon of seasonal treats, festive décor, interactive activities, and special appearances by the cast of The Nutcracker, for guests of every age.
Your ticket includes a performance: front orchestra seats to the same-day performance ofThe Nutcracker of your choice, at 1:00pm or 6:00pm at the Warner Theatre.
Interested in sponsoring? Join us as a Sponsor
SAVE THE DATE
Gala 2027
Friday, April 23, 2027
Washington National Cathedral
Sponsorship opportunities open in January.
Where Your Support Goes
Proceeds from our Signature Events fund scholarships, school partnerships, community performances, and inclusive movement programs. Each year, that support helps The Washington Ballet:
Train about 3,800 students at The Washington School of Ballet
Partner with 15 schools across our region
Reach more than 3,600 people through Dance for All
Award over $400,000 in scholarships
Dance with people living with Parkinson’s through Dance for PD®
50TH ANNIVERSARY OFFER
Give $50.
Enjoy $100-Level Benefits.
In honor of 50 years, a gift of $50 welcomes you at our $100 First Position level, with all of its benefits, plus a commemorative 50th Anniversary pin.
Prefer to give in person? Stop by our pop-up shop in the lobby to pick up your 50th Anniversary pin.
With Gratitude
To our Nutcracker Tea Party sponsors: thank you for making this holiday tradition possible and for investing in the next generation of dancers.
See our Tea Party sponsors
To our donors: your generosity carries The Washington Ballet into its next 50 years. Every gift, at every level, helps bring dance to more of our city.
View our supporters
YOUTH PROGRAM
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ONE SCHOOL. TWO CAMPUSES.
EVERY DANCER.
From Wisconsin Avenue NW to THEARC in SE, The Washington School of Ballet trains dancers across our city through one shared curriculum taught by our dedicated faculty. Whether your dancer is taking their very first steps or preparing for a professional career, we meet them where they are and help them grow—technically, artistically, and personally.
A Path for Every Age
Move with Me & Creative Dance | Ages 1–5
Music, movement, and imagination for our youngest dancers. No audition required.
Pre-Ballet Division | Ages 5–8
The foundations of classical ballet, musicality, and classroom etiquette.
Lower Division | Ages 8–12
Strong, healthy, musical technique that prepares dancers for pointe and repertory.
Upper Division | Ages 11–18
Classical ballet, pointe, repertory, and contemporary training that builds artistry and discipline for college and beyond.
Trainee Program | Ages 13+
A pre-professional program bridging the transition from student to professional dancer.
Northwest Campus
3515 Wisconsin Ave NW & Cathedral Commons, 3308 Wisconsin Ave NW
Home to The Washington Ballet’s Company and our Trainee Program, where advanced students train daily with senior faculty, learn alongside the Company’s artistic team, and are considered for Studio Company positions. Students of all ages study classical ballet technique with added opportunity to explore flamenco, character, pas de deux, and ballet-specific conditioning.
Southeast Campus at THEARC
1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Suite 202
A founding partner at THEARC since 2005, our SE Campus has served dancers East of the River for more than two decades. Alongside the full TWSB curriculum, students can audition for the SE Performance Ensemble and take jazz and contemporary. Our African Dance class welcomes everyone ages 5 to adult.
TEENS AT SE • AGES 11–18
New to Ballet? Start Here.
Never taken a ballet class, or coming back after time away? Teens at SE gives dancers ages 11–18 a strong ballet foundation at THEARC. No audition is required. Add hip hop, and keep dancing into the summer with our SE Summer Intensive, where teens can also register without an audition.
Session 2 • January 11 – June 6, 2027
Teen Ballet: Tuesdays 7:00–8:30pm & Thursdays 6:30–8:00pm
Hip Hop Elective: Thursdays 8:00–9:00pm
THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Suite 202
Questions? Email twsbse@washingtonballet.org. Tuition assistance is available.
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On Both Campuses
Time on Stage: School performances throughout the year, plus opportunities to perform with The Washington Ballet in The Nutcracker and other TWB Company productions.
The Whole Dancer: Training that builds strength, focus, and confidence that carry far beyond the studio.
Access to Training: Scholarships and tuition assistance are available.
SUMMER 2027
Audition Here at Home
Summer Intensive Audition Tour • Ages 12+ as of June 1, 2027, with pointe experience
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Audition 10:30am–12:00pm (check-in 10:00am)
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Audition 1:30–3:00pm (check-in 1:00pm)
Sunday, March 14, 2027
Audition 12:30–2:00pm (check-in 12:00pm)
All DC auditions take place at The Washington Ballet, 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW. Advance registration is required.
The tour also visits Charlotte, Philadelphia, Austin, Princeton, Seattle, Pittsburgh, New York, and the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference in Chicago. Video auditions are also accepted.
Dancers ages 8–12 and SE Campus families:
summer and school-year audition details are at washingtonballet.org/school, or email twsbse@washingtonballet.org.
Find Your Place at TWSB
washingtonballet.org/school
202.362.3606
NW Campus: school@washingtonballet.org
SE Campus: twsbse@washingtonballet.org
All photos by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
ADULT PROGRAM
FIRST STEPS. NEXT LEVELS.
ONE COMMUNITY.
Whether you’ve never set foot in a ballet studio or you’ve trained for years, The Washington School of Ballet’s Adult Program has a place for you. At our Northwest studios on Wisconsin Avenue and at THEARC in Southeast, adults of every age and level take class, try new styles, and keep growing as dancers.
Northwest Campus
3515 Wisconsin Ave NW & Cathedral Commons, 3308 Wisconsin Ave NW
Open classes all week, from Fundamentals through advanced technique, plus workshops that open the door to new styles.
First Friday: Latin Fusion Ballet
Friday, November 6 • 7:15–8:45pm • Cathedral Commons
Each month, a guest artist leads a workshop in a new style. This month, former Ballet Hispanico dancer Isabel Robles weaves salsa-inspired movement into barre and center, set to a Latin-inspired soundtrack that brings fresh dynamics and musicality to classical technique.
$30 • $25 for Student, Artist & 65+ membership holders • TWSB student/alumni and donor discounts apply; class credits cannot be used. Recommended for adults with at least two years of ballet training. Pointe shoes not required. Pre-registration required.
Masterclass: Hell’s Kitchen with Chris Miller
Monday, November 23 • 6:15–7:30pm • Cathedral Commons
Learn the choreography from a dancer who performs it. Chris Miller, an ensemble member of the First National Tour of Hell’s Kitchen and a Towson University graduate, teaches excerpts of Camille A. Brown’s choreography, which draws from social and vernacular dance traditions—rhythmic footwork, games, celebrations, and everyday gestures. Explore how rhythm drives each phrase, and discover the character, energy, and sense of community inside the steps.
$35 • $30 for Student, Artist & 65+ membership holders. Recommended for adults with at least two years of concert dance training; coaching adapts to a range of levels. Wear the dance footwear you’re most comfortable in. Pre-registration required; opens one month before class.
Winter Intensive
Pick one focus and dive in every day for a week.
December 15–18: Intermediate/Advanced Turns & Jumps • Men’s Ballet (Open Level) • Exploring the Next Level: Fundamentals 2 → Beginner 1
January 4–8: Fundamentals/Beginner Turns & Jumps • Intermediate/Advanced Contemporary Ballet • Exploring the Next Level: Beginner 2 → Advanced Beginner
New! Silver Swans® • Ages 60+
A ballet class designed for older adults—whether you’re brand new, returning after time away, or adding to the classes you already love. It’s the start of a Silver Swans® community here in DC, one we hope grows well beyond our studios.
Mondays 1:30–2:30pm with Shelley Berg
Thursdays 10:00–11:00am with Rachael Coad
Intro to Ballet: 8-Week Workshop
Never taken a ballet class? This workshop for brand-new dancers ages 13+ builds technique, alignment, and vocabulary, then leads right into our Fundamentals of Ballet I class. Join whichever session fits your schedule.
Saturdays 11:00am–12:00pm with Natalie Moffett Smith
Nov 7–Jan 2 (no class Dec 26) • Jan 9–Feb 27 • Mar 6–Apr 24 • Jul 10–Aug 28
Sundays 9:30–10:30am with Shelley Berg
Nov 8–Jan 3 (no class Dec 27) • Jan 10–Feb 28 • Mar 7–May 2 (no class Mar 28) • Jul 11–Aug 29
$125 per 8-week session. Registration opens one month before each session on the Mindbody website (not the app).
Southeast Campus at THEARC
1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Suite 202
Weekly classes in ballet, modern, and African dance, open to adults at every level. Drop in any week.
Adult Open Ballet
Thursdays 8:00–9:00pm with Tammy Hurt
Barre, stretching, and center work in a relaxed, welcoming room. Build strength, flexibility, and control as you learn the vocabulary of classical ballet. Open level—class adapts to the dancers in the room.
Open Level Modern
Thursdays 7:30–8:30pm with Katherine Smith
Modern technique with creative elements. All levels welcome; at least one year of dance experience is recommended.
African Dance • Ages 5 to Adult
Mondays 8:00–9:00pm with Serges Essombo Ewane
Explore dance traditions from Central, West, East, North, and South Africa in this multiregional class. All levels welcome—bring the whole family.
$18 drop-in • $450 for the full year (Sept 19, 2026 – May 24, 2027) + ACTIVE fee. Drop-in registration opens three weeks before each class.
Drop In for African Dance • Enroll for the Year
NW • SE • EVERY LEVEL
Start Your Dance Journey
Browse every class at both campuses and find the one that fits your week.
Pricing, memberships & class descriptions: washingtonballet.org/open-classes
202.362.3606
All photos by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
COMMUNITY & WELLNESS
DANCE BELONGS TO ALL OF US.
For 50 years, The Washington Ballet has brought dance into the life of our city—on stage, in the studio, and in community spaces across the DMV. Our community programs connect people of every age, ability, and background to the art form through performances, enrichment programs, training, and educational events, so that everyone has a place to move, create, and connect.
Dance for PD®
Part of The Washington Ballet’s dance for wellness initiative • Free • No dance experience needed
What if movement could help you feel steadier, more expressive, and more connected? Dance for PD® invites people living with Parkinson’s, along with their care partners and families, to dance together to energizing live and recorded music. Created by the Mark Morris Dance Group, this award-winning, research-backed program builds balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence, with an emphasis on dancing, not therapy. Anyone, at any level of mobility, is welcome.
Choose the class that fits you best:
Dance for PD® at TWB
Thursdays 2:00–3:15pm
Cathedral Commons Studios (2nd floor), 3308 Wisconsin Ave NW
Dance in the studio or join from home on Zoom. Professional dancers lead each class, and guided improvisation invites you to explore and create.
September 10, 2026 – May 22, 2027 • Free • Walk-ins welcome; pre-registration encouraged
Register • Join on Zoom
Dance for PD® Pro at TWB
Saturdays 3:30–4:30pm
Cathedral Commons Studios (2nd floor), 3308 Wisconsin Ave NW
A focused, workshop-style class for dancers ready for a deeper challenge. Each session builds from a progressive standing warm-up to barre work and traveling steps, with accelerated physical and cognitive training, technique, and improvisation.
September 2026 – May 22, 2027 • Free • Walk-ins welcome; pre-registration encouraged
Register
Dance for PD® at Arena Stage
Wednesdays 11:00am–12:00pm
Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth St SW
Our Dance for PD® community extends to Southwest DC, with a weekly class at Arena Stage.
“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
Come Dance With Us
washingtonballet.org/dance-for-pd
202.349.0261
All photos by Sonia Bartolomeo for TWB
