For dance lovers looking to get into the holiday spirit, The Nutcracker is a must at this time of year. Thankfully, the Washington D.C. area has numerous performances of the beloved ballet from which to choose. While there’s over a dozen performances ranging in size from huge ballet troupes to small dance studios, here's a few that stand out among the rest. American Ballet Theater: Few companies can compete with the size and talents of... more ›

Written by DCist contributor Angela Olson. The Washington Ballet aims to engage families with young children in the world of ballet with its current production of Where the Wild Things Are. Undoubtedly, they achieved this goal with colorful sets and costumes ripped from the pages of Maurice Sendak’s book, and energetic choreography by Artistic Director Septime Webre. It is difficult to criticize such a worthy goal, indeed the children sitting near me were dancing in... more ›

With poignant lines such as "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye," who couldn't love The Little Prince? A French classic by Antoine de Saint Exupery, it has been translated into more than 160 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, and I was excited to hear that the Washington Ballet was bringing their adaptation to the stage. With choreography... more ›

The tango is a colorful, fiery display of passion and movement, with ballet being its more classical, astute and refined cousin. Now, imagine the two together, and toss some mariachi music into the mix. The Washington Ballet's ¡Noche Latina! does just that, combining the classical, floating movements of ballet with the energy and boldness of tango. Not just a dance show, the night includes live music, including Mariachi Los Amigos, who come in through the front door just like the rest of the audience. The Washington Ballet's Artistic Director, Septime Webre, notes at the beginning of the night that the show is a "celebration of fusion," and that fusion creates depth. It's a daring show in that respect, but the result is dazzling. more ›

FRIDAY: >> After a superb D.C. debut last year in the back room, Pleaseeasaur is returning to theBlack Cat tonight, this time on the mainstage, opening for San Diego's Pinback. J.P. Hasson and his invisible sidekick Thomas Hurley III are apparently taking a break this month from recording a new Comedy Central-sponsored album to perform a number of valuable pubilc service announcements. Did you know, for example, that "Cobras are Totally Cool?" Or, for that... more ›

A disappointed reader tipped us off that The Washington Ballet has announced that tonight's performance of The Nutcracker has been cancelled due to what the company is calling a dancer strike. more ›