The Washington Ballet

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Premier Ballet Company in Washington, DC

Founded in 1944, The Washington Ballet has established itself as a premier cultural institution in the nation's capital. Our mission centers on presenting world-class classical and contemporary ballet performances while fostering artistic excellence and community engagement. Through innovative collaborations and a commitment to accessibility, we serve diverse audiences across Washington, DC, and the surrounding region. Our educational initiatives train over 1,000 students annually, complemented by community programs that reach an additional 1,600 participants. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we prioritize inclusivity and artistic innovation, maintaining rigorous standards in both performance and pedagogy. Our professional company comprises internationally recognized dancers, while our artistic leadership includes pioneers like Edwaard Liang, the first Asian American to lead a major American ballet company.

With an 80-year legacy of artistic achievement, we continue evolving to reflect the dynamic cultural landscape of our community. Our core values emphasize belonging, excellence, and service, demonstrated through initiatives like free community performances and adaptive programs for individuals with Parkinson's disease. As stewards of dance education, we operate two campuses and offer open classes for all skill levels. Our financial transparency and governance practices ensure accountability to donors and stakeholders who support our vision for future generations.

Services

Ballet Performances Dance Education Community Programs Studio Rentals Fundraising Events

Details

Year established: 1944

Highlights and features

We offer 80 years of artistic excellence in ballet performance and education
Our company includes internationally recognized dancers from 12 countries
We provide community programs serving over 1,600 students annually
Our educational division operates two campuses in Washington, DC
We maintain rigorous artistic standards with innovative community engagement

What people say

World-class performances Exceptional community outreach Professional training programs Diverse repertoire Inclusive programs

Website

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Services

Ballet Performances

Professional ballet performances featuring classical and contemporary works. Our repertoire includes full-length productions like The Nutcracker and Giselle, alongside modern choreography. Performances showcase our diverse company of 24 dancers representing 12 nationalities.

Dance Education

Comprehensive dance education programs for ages 1 through adult. Our curriculum combines Vaganova, Balanchine, and contemporary techniques. The school trains over 1,000 students annually across two campuses with faculty including former principal dancers.

Community Programs

Free and accessible dance programs serving diverse communities. Includes Dance for PD for individuals with Parkinson's, adaptive classes, and outreach to underserved populations. Programs engage over 1,600 participants annually through partnerships with local organizations.

Studio Rentals

Professional dance studio rentals available in NW and SE Washington, DC. Spaces accommodate rehearsals, classes, and special events. Facilities include sprung floors, professional sound systems, and ample parking options at both locations.

Fundraising Events

Annual fundraising events supporting our artistic and educational missions. Includes signature events like the Nutcracker Tea Party and Jet Society gatherings. Proceeds fund scholarships, community programs, and artistic development initiatives.

People

Edwaard Liang

Artistic Director

Internationally acclaimed choreographer and former dancer with New York City Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater. First Asian American to lead a major American ballet company, with a vision for artistic innovation and community engagement.

Andres Estevez

Rehearsal Director

Former principal dancer with Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Ballet Clasico de la Havana. Brings extensive classical expertise to company rehearsals and artistic development, with decades of experience in Cuban ballet tradition.

Tams Krizsa

Rehearsal Director

Hungarian-trained dancer with 18 seasons of experience at The Washington Ballet. Graduated with honors from the Hungarian Dance Academy, specializing in classical repertoire and company coaching.

Ayano Kimura

Faculty - Upper Division

Japanese-born instructor with 14 seasons at The Washington Ballet and seven years teaching at its affiliated school. Trained in Germany and Japan, specializing in advanced ballet technique for pre-professional students.

Maki Onuki

Principal Dancer

Celebrated performer with 20 seasons at The Washington Ballet, known for principal roles in classical works. Trained at Goh Ballet Academy in Canada before joining the company, now mentoring younger dancers while performing.

Questions

What types of ballet performances does The Washington Ballet offer?

We present classical masterpieces like The Nutcracker and Giselle alongside contemporary works. Our season includes four mainstage productions and special community performances.

How can I participate in dance education programs?

We offer classes for ages 1+ at two Washington, DC locations. Programs include recreational classes, pre-professional training, and adult open classes for all skill levels.

Are there community programs for underserved populations?

Yes, we provide free and subsidized programs including Dance for PD, adaptive classes, and outreach to Title I schools through our Dance for All initiative.

How can I support The Washington Ballet's mission?

Support through donations, attending fundraising events, or becoming a member. Contributions fund scholarships, community programs, and artistic development initiatives.

Can I rent studio space for private events?

Our NW and SE campuses offer rental spaces for rehearsals, classes, and special events with professional facilities and technical support available.

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Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Theresa N.

Jul 09, 2019 Report

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 Report

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 Report

* 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

Katie M.

Oct 06, 2016 Report

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 Report

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 Report

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.

Diane Y.

Oct 31, 2015 Report

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