As the ballet company in and of the nation's capital, The Washington Ballet reflects the diversity of the community and the nation through its professional dancers, high-caliber school, and its repertoire. Artistic Director Julie Kent has introduced defining works by globally recognized choreographers, all while embracing the work of emerging choreographers - which will contribute to the evolution of ballet and its relevance in our times.
Streaming on Marquee TV: New works by TWB choreographers Helga Paris-Morales and Andile Ndlovu. The 2021/22 season features five in-theater productions, including an Opening Performance Celebration, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, NEXTsteps, and new digital works for Marquee TV as a part of TWB Inside Out.
Streaming on Marquee TV: New works by TWB choreographers Helga Paris-Morales and Andile Ndlovu. The 2021/22 season features five in-theater productions, including an Opening Performance Celebration, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, NEXTsteps, and new digital works for Marquee TV as a part of TWB Inside Out.
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Celebrating its 75th year as an organization, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. The School opened in 1944 and the Company was established in 1976 with Ms. Day's singular vision clearly illuminated: to create a stellar institution of teaching, creating, and enlightenment through dance.
This hour-long performance at the National Building Museum will feature the artists of The Washington Ballet in celebrated, classical roles and TWB exclusive works. Performance will begin at 7:30pm each night. The entire Washington Ballet has missed YOU and we can't wait to return to the stage for this special program!
This celebrated production is set in historic 1882 Georgetown with George Washington, King George III, and other historical figures. Join us again with family and friends or start a new holiday tradition with your loved ones.
Set to Tchaikovsky's magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet.It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation's capital.
Set to Tchaikovsky's magical score, this celebrated classic comes to life with intricate, stunning set designs, original period costumes, and over 100 dancers including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet.It has become the signature Nutcracker of the nation's capital.
At last, our own production of the iconic Swan Lake will come to life in our triumphant return to the Kennedy Center stage. Set to Tchaikovsky's powerful score, the tragic love story of the ethereal swan princess Odette and Prince Sigfried promises magic, intrigue, melancholy, and suspense. With additional staging and choreography by Julie Kent and Victor Barbee, the artistic and theatrical proficiency of The Washington Ballet will be revealed.
Giselle, the quintessential Romantic Era ballet, embodies fantasy, etherealism, and supernaturalism. This two-act ballet tells the tragic story of Giselle, a peasant girl, who falls for the charms of the deceitful Count Albrecht. When the truth is unveiled, Giselle dies of heartbreak. Deep in the forest, she rises from her grave and dances with the beautiful and irresistible Wilis.
Reviews (16)
Theresa N.
Jul 09, 2019
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The Washington School of Ballet has a fabulous program for adults! Not only are classes offered 7 days a week during the day and, Monday through Friday, in the evening, but they also offer workshops for adults. There are many levels for different abilities of adults, even the beginner with no experience in ballet. The teachers are wonderful! They're clear, caring, professional, and truly help the adult learner to improve in their ballet technique. All of this, and the people who attend the classes are wonderfully friendly. The musicians who played the piano for class are inspiring and the
Susan Y.
Dec 10, 2018
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Wow. Just saw this team of all ages tonight perform the Nutcracker at Warner Theatre. You should go. Charming choreography; exquisite dancers and adorable very young dancers who were lovingly given parts they could play to please audience and dancers alike. The quirky, subtle sense of humor was elevating. The first thing talent level of the older dancers leads me to believe the primaries will go into professional national or international troupes. Thank you all.
Lola A.
Aug 08, 2017
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* if I could've given Zero stars I would've
This review is based solely for the program at The Arc in Washington DC.
Back in June I called to inquire about the upcoming fall ballet program for my five year child. I was informed of the next audition session and the requirements.
I'd expressed concerns about the audition process because my child suffers from a mild form of Aspergers and I wanted them to be well aware in case it would be an issue. I was assured it'd be no problem, and basically it wasn't a true audition but more of an assessment to see which class she
This review is based solely for the program at The Arc in Washington DC.
Back in June I called to inquire about the upcoming fall ballet program for my five year child. I was informed of the next audition session and the requirements.
I'd expressed concerns about the audition process because my child suffers from a mild form of Aspergers and I wanted them to be well aware in case it would be an issue. I was assured it'd be no problem, and basically it wasn't a true audition but more of an assessment to see which class she
Katie M.
Oct 06, 2016
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I've been taking adult classes here for over two years now and there is a reason I've kept coming back! It's really a part of the community. The teachers are respectful and knowledgeable with a great emphasis on classical technique. They continue to add different levels and styles so there truly is something for everyone. I've learned so much and made so many memories with other wonderful people. Highly recommend for any level of dancer.
The Jazz Master M.
May 19, 2016
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Beautiful studio, great facilities, and Stuart makes ballet fun. Coming from me, that says a lot, because I used to cry every single day before ballet class because I didn't want to be there. Ballet is not my jam but having a friendly and understanding instructor makes a huge difference. I would totally recommend the class for someone with little to no ballet experience. There is such a huge difference between taking ballet when they're trying to groom you for something and taking ballet just for fun.
Kerri M.
Feb 28, 2016
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Amazing, phenomenal and flawless dancers. I watched the Directors Cut at the Kennedy Center and I had to separate the choreography and music from the dancers. Though the ballet will not be a fav of mine and is never watch it again, the performers were outstanding.
I'd love to watch more classical pieces done by them in the future.
I'd love to watch more classical pieces done by them in the future.
Diane Y.
Oct 31, 2015
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There she sat watching and I watched her. I could only appreciate this 1.5 hours when Elaine Kudo and I were in the same space watching Washington Ballet's 10/30/15's performance of Balanchine & Beyond. MS Kudo's performance had mesmerized me in Twyla Tharp's Sinatra Suite years ago so much so that I required dancers at my school to watch it.
Tonight, I found myself moving in an unexpected space between yesterday and tonight. This performance was a seamless merger of what I THOUGHT I knew and what I THINK I know now. The brilliant sensibilities of Septine Weber
Tonight, I found myself moving in an unexpected space between yesterday and tonight. This performance was a seamless merger of what I THOUGHT I knew and what I THINK I know now. The brilliant sensibilities of Septine Weber
Leona C.
Sep 14, 2015
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As a child, I was a tomboy and refused to wear dresses, so I never took ballet. But I tried an adult beginner's class and it was a lot of fun. If you own (or can borrow) a pair of ballet slipper, then bring them. Be on time because the instructors will be strict. And if you have any prior knowledge of french, music, yoga/pilates/dance, and have an ability to synchronize in group settings....then the learning curve may not be so bad. Be mentally prepared for stern reprimands from the instructor though.
By the end of class, I learned a lot of the basic ballet positions and felt like Taylor
By the end of class, I learned a lot of the basic ballet positions and felt like Taylor
Madeline R.
Jan 17, 2015
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I started taking adult classes here after I graduated from high school and left my normal studio. I would highly, highly recommend them. The levels are confusing: beginner classes would be a little hard for a true beginner, but you could probably still go and get some extra help during class. Advanced beginner is not exactly easy, so unless you used to dance professionally or something I would start here and not just jump into intermediate. The teachers are all great, but they definitely have different styles so if you don't like your first class try again with a different instructor. It seems
Jules K.
Feb 12, 2013
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ADULT BEGINNER CLASS
Took the Adult Beginner class last week. (See below for my review of the Adult Advanced Beginner Class, which I actually took first. Confused yet?)
Same great teacher who did an excellent job of spotting the people who need additional guidance. The class was slower and more basic. I was sore afterwards so it wasn't a physically easy class.
HOWEVER.
NEWBIE ALERT * NEWBIE ALERT * NEWBIE ALERT
If you just bought your very first pair of slippers ... Well, I hope you first took the time to read about ballet and some of the basic positions and movements and THEN bought
Took the Adult Beginner class last week. (See below for my review of the Adult Advanced Beginner Class, which I actually took first. Confused yet?)
Same great teacher who did an excellent job of spotting the people who need additional guidance. The class was slower and more basic. I was sore afterwards so it wasn't a physically easy class.
HOWEVER.
NEWBIE ALERT * NEWBIE ALERT * NEWBIE ALERT
If you just bought your very first pair of slippers ... Well, I hope you first took the time to read about ballet and some of the basic positions and movements and THEN bought
Jeni F.
Mar 09, 2012
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I love this place more and more every time I go. I'm probably the furthest thing from being a ballerina but I come for the Jete Society's social events called Beer, Ballet, and Bubbly (see http://www.washingtonballet.org/contribute/membership/jete-society.htm). It's awesome cause you get to watch these AMAZING athletes practice a few feet away from you with no bells and whistles. Then they give you beer, champagne, and yummy food from Whole Foods :)
Danielle M.
Dec 02, 2011
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You'd figure a national renowned ballet company would have equivalent teachers at their school.,,this was not the case here. True she was only a sub for the regular teacher, but i'd be suppressed if she had any ballet training. By the time she finished looking at her notes, I was no longer warmed up. I got a little nervous when she came to me for corrections, but luckily I made it through her class. I understand nutcracker has schedules a little crazy this time of year, but if your going to sub with an incompetent teacher at least give us a dis out on the class...
Steve H.
Mar 24, 2010
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I dropped in on adult intermediate classes at Washington Ballet while on vacation last year and loved it. I shelled out the $15 per class since I wasn't staying long enough to buy a class card, which is $130 for 10, which is not bad, but I've seen cheaper at ballet schools of roughly equal caliber.
Washington Ballet had very easy access from the metro stop (easy to find, even for a complete stranger to the area as I was) with a nice stroll through Tenleytown to get there (a good warm up to get the blood going before class too!).
The studio was on the smaller side, although there were
Washington Ballet had very easy access from the metro stop (easy to find, even for a complete stranger to the area as I was) with a nice stroll through Tenleytown to get there (a good warm up to get the blood going before class too!).
The studio was on the smaller side, although there were
Valerie K.
Mar 12, 2009
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The adult classes are great. If you've had years of ballet training or are totally new to the artform, the Washington Ballet School has a class that will challenge you. The classes are taught by the same design of any professional class. It begins with barre work: streching, balance, strengthening and technique. Then comes centre work, Adagio, Jumping, and Turns. To those unsure if they want to shell out $14 dollars for a class, the classes are generally an hour and half long, there is a live pianist that accompanies you and the teachers are excellent. It 's a great form of excercise
Michelle W.
Nov 04, 2007
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Phenomenal Children's Division with pre-pro and non-pro tracks. I trained here in the late 80s/early 90s and then took adult classes and have nothing but good things to say about the school.
I believe the children's/teens' program is in better shape than ever these days. The adult division remains outstanding.
I believe the children's/teens' program is in better shape than ever these days. The adult division remains outstanding.
Amelia S.
Sep 25, 2006
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I can't speak to the childrens'/teenagers programs, but I took a few of the adult classes when I first started college, and they were really good. I was in a pre-professional program in high school, so I was looking for something that could challenge me. The morning classes definitely do that. They are geared towards those who have already had a lot of ballet training, so they are pretty difficult.
I hope to start going again in a few months, but since I a) gained all this weight in college and b) lost all my lovely muscle, I really have to c) get in shape first! I'll probably begin
I hope to start going again in a few months, but since I a) gained all this weight in college and b) lost all my lovely muscle, I really have to c) get in shape first! I'll probably begin
