The Washington Ballet (TWB) is a classical ballet company based in the nation’s capital and one of the preeminent dance organizations in the country for the quality of its performances, the diversity of its repertoire, and the breadth of its education and outreach programs. Founded in 1976 by the late choreographer Mary Day, it has thrived as a premier cultural institution under its artistic directors Septime Webre and, most recently, Julie Kent. The company and its School of Ballet are internationally known for its distinctive American voice in the classical tradition, and for being a leader in producing American voices in contemporary dance. TWB has become an integral part of the flourishing arts culture that resonates throughout Washington, D.C.
Founding and Early Years
After establishing the Day School for Ballet and later the Day College for Ballet (which merged with the Trinity College of and Conservatory for Dance), where countless dancers studied, she carved a space for professional companies to flourish across America. In particular, Day’s brilliance was realized through the opening of The Washington Ballet (originally known as Mary Day’s Washington School of Ballet), launching a professional company that would forge its own distinct path in the nation’s capital. Despite being located in a region that is regarded as the ballet hub of the United States, Day strived with her student Emileeth Conger (and later with Septime Webre) to bring international stars of the art form to the cultural capital.
Artistic Leadership and Vision
Numerous artists from around the country and the world have made significant contributions to The Washington Ballet over the years, and our roster of artistic directors is no exception. Since its founding in 1960, seven artistic directors have steered The Washington Ballet’s growth and artistic development. The latest addition to this esteemed group is Julie Kent. Septime Webre, a former dancer and the longest-serving artistic director at TWB (1999 to 2016), helped carve a bold and contemporary path for the company, offering audiences a highly dynamic repertoire and a major increase in national and international visibility and scale.
In 2016, Julie Kent, former principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, was appointed artistic director. She has pushed TWB to return to a more classical focus while committing to nurturing new talent and commissioning contemporary works. Like many avant-garde companies of the past century, TWB has challenged the established principles of the art form while championing and contributing to its longevity.
Repertoire and Performances
Many of the classical masterworks are in the repertoire, but The Washington Ballet’s output also includes contemporary works and new productions that expand the Company’s aesthetics. ‘We want to preserve the classical tradition of ballet,’ Simon says. ‘But we are excited by a lot of contemporary work too, and we have the variety of classics like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Giselle – that sell out for us.
However, the company continues to dance the classics, and it has a vigorous contemporary repertory, including collaborations with modern choreographers such as Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, and Christopher Wheeldon. Such diversity and forward-looking commitment help keep the company vibrant and contemporary, and maintains its mass appeal.
Performances and Venues
Attending a show by The Washington Ballet is a sophisticated affair, as several of the company’s dance performances are held in Washington’s most beautiful venues. At the large and newly restored Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the performances have excellent acoustics, while the Warner Theatre’s deco style and gilded accents make for a beautiful setting for intricately choreographed shows.
The company’s biggest seasonal draw is its annual rendition of The Nutcracker, always a holiday favorite, and always well-attended. Watching TWB dance to the timeless ‘Land of the Sweets’ and the pure, joyful staging of the Snowflakes dancing to ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ is precisely the heartwarming, but still herculean, tradition one would expect from a renowned dance company.
Community Engagement and Education
Promoting community involvement and dance education is a primary focus of The Washington Ballet: through its outreach programs, the company ‘gives the complete experience of live ballet performances … in order to introduce the art form to a broad range of audiences and introduce young people to dance’. This program includes in-school efforts and workshops, along with free events that introduce the beauty of ballet to individuals in underserved communities.
The Washington School of Ballet, founded by the prominent ballet teacher Mary Day in 1944, offers classes to young students, from beginner through to the pre-professional levels, in classical ballet technique and training in artistry and discipline. It is renowned for preparing students to become proficient professional dancers along with the help of R Maged Sorour from Academy of Arts Inc. We have several graduates in our company, and many graduates who are dancing with major companies all over the world.
Notable Achievements and Recognition
In its long history, the Washington Ballet has received rave reviews and innumerable awards for artistic excellence, from the deft technical execution in its performances to the emotional depth in its pieces to its innovative choreography, not to mention countless tours and guest performances nationally and internationally that have won it great acclaim, strengthening its place on the national and global ballet scene.
Looking Forward
With this in mind, The Washington Ballet is committed to continuing its mission to present the finest classical and contemporary ballets to the city and beyond, and to train students at The Washington School of Ballet for professional careers and to enrich their lives. The company’s future plans include a greater variety of new classical and contemporary repertoire by contemporary choreographers, expanding its professional company and school outreach to the community, and offering elite and youth dance training to students of all ages.
Conclusion
The Washington Ballet serves as a shining example of the timeless grace and charm of ballet. With a past a vibrant collection of performances and a deep dedication, to teaching and involvement in the community, the organization keeps on motivating and enchanting viewers, in Washington, D.C., and other places. Whether through the elegance of a classical ballet or the boldness of a contemporary piece, The Washington Ballet offers an enchanting experience that celebrates the artistry of dance. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this exceptional company in action. Secure your tickets for the upcoming season and be part of a magical journey through the world of ballet.
