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
Music by Etta James
(Approximately 30 minutes)
- Intermission -
Configuration (pas de deux) by Choo San Goh
Music by Samuel Barber
(Approximately 8 minutes)
- Pause -
Art of War by Edwaard Liang
Music by Michael Torke
(Approximately 17 minutes)
- Intermission -
An Artist's Prayer by Chanel DaSilva
with live music by Black Alley
(Approximately 30 minutes)
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, Production Electrician
Brian, Flory, Production Electrician
Ryan Gravett,
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.
YOUTH PROGRAM
ONE SCHOOL.
TWO CAMPUSES.
EVERY DANCER.
From Wisconsin Avenue to THEARC in Ward 8, The Washington School of Ballet trains dancers across our city in one shared curriculum taught by one 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 studios 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 also 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.
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