The Washington Ballet consists of world class dancers forming an ensemble core with apprentices under the artistic directorship of Julie Kent. Together they perform a wide variety of works from the classical choreography of Marius Petipa and George Balanchine to contemporary pieces by Christopher Wheeldon, Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, and new creations by Alexei Ratmansky and Justin Peck. Every year the professional and studio companies bring productions of the highest caliber to stages throughout the national capital area including Harman Center for the Arts at the Sidney Harman Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Warner Theatre, and Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC). Julie Kent’s commitment to the development of both the dancer and the art form is fulfilled through presentation of beloved classic 19th-century ballets and landmark 20th-century works while reaffirming a commitment to commissioned works that will contribute to the evolution of ballet and its relevance in our times.
In addition to being an iconic ballerina, Kent has the distinction of being the longest-serving dancer at American Ballet Theatre, having danced with the company for 29 years. Her extensive roles encompass the breadth of the ballet repertoire and as a muse to choreographers who have created works on her. Her continued devotion to serving the art form, to promoting arts education and to using her experience to nurture, train and develop the next generation of dancers are the tenets by which she will further elevate The Washington Ballet and its company, school and community engagement programs and initiatives.

This program is made possible by the Carnahan-Jackson Dance Endowment.