The Washington Ballet is a professional ballet organization founded in 1944, offering an AGMA-represented professional company, pre-professional Studio Company, and The Washington School of Ballet serving over 1,000 students across two campuses with 12 studios in the Washington, DC area.
The Washington Ballet is a professional ballet company based in Washington, DC. Founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944, it became a professional company in 1976 and operates as a registered 501(c)(3) organization. The company performs classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers on stages across the Washington, DC-metro region, including the Warner Theatre, Capital One Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Wolf Trap. Productions have included Cinderella and Giselle, both choreographed by Artistic Director Edwaard Liang. The company dancers are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). Liang is the first person of color to lead the organization and the first Asian American to lead a major American ballet company.
The organization also operates The Washington School of Ballet, which offers programs for students from age one through 18 at two campuses in Northwest and Southeast Washington. The school serves over 1,000 students across 12 studios and follows a leveled syllabus. Programs include school year classes, open enrollment elective classes, and a Trainee Program for dancers ages 17–19 preparing for professional careers. The organization also maintains a Studio Company, a non-union pre-professional program for advanced dancers. Tuition assistance and merit scholarships are available based on household income and demonstrated talent.
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The Washington Ballet is a professional ballet organization and registered 501(c)(3) that includes an AGMA-represented professional company, a pre-professional Studio Company, and The Washington School of Ballet. Founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944 and incorporated as a professional company in 1976, the organization has a three-part mission of ensuring excellence in its professional performance company, growing the next generation of dancers through its school and training programs, and serving the community through education and engagement programs.
The Washington Ballet is located in Washington, DC with facilities at two campuses. The NW Campus has main studios at 3515 Wisconsin Ave, NW and Cathedral Commons Studios at 3308 Wisconsin Ave, NW with 10 studios total. The SE Campus is located at Studios at THEARC East, 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20020 with 2 studios. The main office is at 3515 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016.
The Washington Ballet provides outstanding ballet, exceptional training, and community service through education and engagement. The Washington School of Ballet offers ballet programs for students starting at 1 year old, in-studio open classes, school year programs running September through May, open enrollment elective classes, Teen Electives, Creative Dance, pre-season technique classes, and a prestigious Trainee Program for the transition to professional careers. The professional company performs classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works on major stages across the Washington, DC-metro region including the Warner Theatre, Capital One Hall, Wolf Trap, Kennedy Center, Harman Hall, Dupont Underground, and THEARC.
Students starting at 1 year old and up can join The Washington School of Ballet programs. The school serves over 1,000 students across its two campuses. Students are accepted by attending an in-person audition or submitting a video audition, with placement based on ability and readiness for the syllabus. Advanced dancers ages 17-19 with demonstrated passion for professional ballet careers may be invited to audition for the Trainee Program. The organization also offers open enrollment programs that do not require auditions.
The Washington School of Ballet offers programs for ages 1 year old and up, with school year programs serving students ages 3.5-18. Teen Electives at THEARC are open to ages 11-18 of all levels with no audition required. Pre-season technique classes are offered for ages 10 and up. The Trainee Program serves dancers ages 17-19. For ages 12 and up, a minimum of 2-4 years of ballet training and intermediate pointe work, or 1-2 years of pointe, is expected for auditions.
Yes, The Washington Ballet offers opportunities for dancers through its AGMA-represented professional company and pre-professional Studio Company. The Studio Company is a non-union training, apprentice, and performance program for advanced dancers preparing for professional careers, with opportunities to perform alongside the professional company throughout the season. The Trainee Program facilitates the transition from student to professional dancer, with male students receiving specialized training in strength training, partnering skills, men’s classical repertory, jumps, and turns.
The Washington School of Ballet follows a leveled syllabus where students progress at their own pace, with growth and health as major considerations in placement and advancement. The curriculum at higher levels becomes increasingly challenging with greater emphasis on classical technique, complex allegro and adagio work, repertoire, performance quality, and artistic maturity. Upper Division Levels 4-8 develop strength, artistry, creativity, and discipline through classical ballet and additional techniques while preparing dancers for further dance studies and college.
Yes, The Washington Ballet Company performs a wide repertory of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers. Productions may involve the professional company alongside student dancers. Company and Studio Company dancers appear in productions on major stages across the Washington, DC-metro region including the Warner Theatre, Capital One Hall, Wolf Trap, Kennedy Center, Harman Hall, Dupont Underground, and THEARC. Season subscriptions are available.
Contact The Washington Ballet at 202.677.5193 for the main office and box office, or email tickets@washingtonballet.org for box office inquiries. For Youth Program inquiries contact school@washingtonballet.org or 202.362.3606. For Adult Program inquiries contact jfrontdesk@washingtonballet.org or 202.349.0261. For SE Campus inquiries contact twsbse@washingtonballet.org or 202.362.3606, or call the THEARC Front Desk at 202.889.8150. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm.