Out & About

Motion and magic

Region’s dance offerings run gamut of disciplines

Published

12 years ago

September 11, 2014

Mariah Cooper

A dance with Dance Theatre of Harlem. (Photo by Rachel Neville; courtesy DTH)

From ballet to modern, the region’s dance companies — many with gay performers — will be active in the coming months.

“Trans Action,” a dance commentary on business and art, will be at Art Works Now (4800 Rhode Island Ave., Hyattsville, Md.) Sept. 20 at 8:30 p.m. performed by the Maida Withers Dance Construction Company. One female dancer, who represents art, will try to survive seven other dancers, who represent business, as they try to dominate her. Admission is free. For more details, visit artworksnow.org.

BalletNova Center for Dance presents the grand opening and dedication ceremony of Fredgren Studio Theater at BalletNova studios (3443 Carlin Springs Rd., Falls Church, Va.) Sept. 21 from 3-5 p.m. The black box-style theater will feature a large performing area, 150 seats and a fully equipped professional sound and lighting system. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests can enjoy performances by BalletNova dancers and local performers, which include GinDance, Teren Dickson and His B’Boys and BalletNova alumnus Jamison Foreman. For more details, visit balletnova.org.

The Kennedy Center (2700 F St., N.W.) will show many dance performances this fall. On Oct. 1-4, Martha Clarke’s “Chéri” featuring Alessandra Ferri, Herman Cornejo and more, will be performed. The performance combines theater, live music and dance. Tickets are $42.

On Oct. 22-25 there is “Beijing Dance Theater: Wild Grass,” a three-part performance inspired by Lu Xun’s poems. Tickets are $42. Artist Carmen De Lavallade presents “As I Remember It,” a multimedia performance of her life that combines dance, personal writings and film, on Oct. 29-30. Tickets are $49.

On Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Kalanidhi Dance presents “Krishna, Love-Reinvented,” a dance portrayal of the Hindu god Krishna. Tickets are $40. Batsheva Dance Company presents “Sadeh21,” a dance performance that goes through 21 fields of movement study. Tickets range from $20-62. For details, visit kennedy-center.org.

The Chamber Dance Project presents and evening of food, music and dance at the Arts Club of Washington (2017 I St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $200. Visit chamberdance.org for details.

Shijith Nambiar and Company presents a dance performance on Gandhi’s legacy at University of the District of Columbia (4200 Connecticut Ave., N.W.) on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. The performance will be a mixture of abstract works and then will highlight Gandhi’s service and community building through non-violence. Dance company Dakshina will open the event with two recent dance performances. Ticket prices to be announced. For details, visit dakshina.org.

Velocity D.C. Dance Festival returns this year at Shakespeare Theatre Company (610 F St., N.W.) on Oct. 9-11. More than 20 ensembles and individuals will perform including Bob Boross Freestyle Jazz Dance, Gin Dance Company, CityDance and more. Styles of dance to be performed range include ballet, hip hop, tap and flamenco. Tickets are $18. For more information, visit washingtonperformingarts.org.

Washington Performing Arts presents Dance Theatre of Harlem, an African-American ballet company, Oct. 17-19. Tickets range from $30-65. For more details, visit washingtonperformingarts.org.

Dissonance Dance Theatre presents “Dance Noir” at Joy of Motion Dance Center (5207 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.) on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. The performance is dances created around dark, dramatic classical scores. Ticket prices to be announced. For more information, visit ddtdc.org.

Dance Box Theater and force/collision team up for a double performance of “Windswept,” a work that explores climate change, capitalism and the human experience, with “Jarman (all this maddening beauty)” by out actor John Moletress at Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.) on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $30. Visit danceplace.org for details.

The gay-helmed Washington Ballet has several performances planed in the coming months including “Petite Mort: Masterworks by Kylian/van Manen/Wheeldon” at the Harman Center Oct. 22-26, “The Nutcracker” at THEARC Theater Nov. 29-30 and more. Prices and locations vary. Visit washingtonballet.org for details.

Publick Playhouse (5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, Md.) also has several guests performers and shows this fall including hip-hop company Rennie Harris Puremovement on Oct. 24-25, the Philadelphia Dance Company with “Philadanco” on Nov. 7 and others in early 2015. Visit arts.pgparks.com for more information.

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DC Black Pride is around the corner

Anthony Oakes hosts comedy show on Thursday

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Comedian Anthony Oakes (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Anthony Oakes will host “DC Black Pride Comedy Show” on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m.

Oakes will workshop his new hour about addiction, incarceration, recovery, and redemption with special guests.

This event will be hosted by the hilarious Apple Brown Betty with TJ So Silly, Howl Cooper, and featuring Patrice Deveaux. DJ Art.is will be spinning on the 1’s & 2’s. Libations will be provided by Drink Alchy. Images by RGF ENT. Tickets are $28.52 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Out & About

United Night Out set for Saturday

Team DC hosts evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag and community

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

A scene from the 2023 United Night Out. This year’s event will be held on Saturday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

On Saturday, May 16, Team DC is taking over Audi Field for United Night OUT as D.C. United faces St. Louis SC.

Come out for an evening of soccer, Pride, music, drag, and community. The night kicks off with pre-game fun featuring DC Different Drummers, DJ Heat, and a Pride Night OUT Party at the Heineken Rooftop. Then get ready for a 7:30 p.m. match, including the National Anthem sung by Dana Nearing and a halftime drag performance.

After the match, the celebration continues at the Post-Game Rooftop Party with DJ Heat and the After Party at Dacha Navy Yard. Game tickets and after party tickets are available now through Zeffy. After party tickets are $20 and include one drink.

Calendar

Calendar: May 15-21

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 15

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Saturday, May 16

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ People of Color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There are all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more information and events, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.

Sunday, May 17

Red Bear Brewing Company will host “Drag Brunch” at 11 a.m. This is a camp and comedy drag brunch with host Logan Stone. Tickets cost $10.60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 18

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, May 19

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, May 20

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center will partner with House of Ruth to host “Art & Conversation” at 2:30 p.m. This free workshop is facilitated by art therapist Jenny Christakos, LPC, LPAT, ATR-BC, a licensed mental health clinician at House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center. This session, titled “The Masks We Wear,” will explore elements connected to identity, belonging, and community. No RSVP required. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, May 21

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.