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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Out & About

Lesbifriends Travel to host queer night out

DC Power FC game to be held at Audi Field

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by Inked Pixels/Bigstock)

Lesbifriends Travel will host “Queer Night Out: DC Power FC Game” on Wednesday May 6 at 7 p.m. at Audi Field.

This will be a fun night out as DC Power FC takes the field at Audi Field, kicking off with a happy hour meetup in Navy Yard before the group walks to the stadium together. Lesbifriends and Travel group will be seated together in the stands, making it easy to connect, cheer, and enjoy the game with people who just feel like your people.

More details are available on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“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 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

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.

Out & About

DC Center marks one year at new location

Milestone celebrated with tours, programming

Published

1 week ago

April 24, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center opened in its new location last April. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center is marking a milestone year in its new home with a vibrant birthday celebration, inviting the community, allies, and media to join the festivities on Saturday, April 25 at 1 p.m.

Since opening its doors in Shaw, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has become a hub of support, advocacy, and celebration for LGBTQ+ residents across the District.

The birthday bash promises a day of programming including Yoga (Center Wellness), Micro Bouquet Making (Center Social), Zine Making (Center Arts), and so much more. Guests can also enjoy tours of the Center’s expanded facilities, showcasing spaces for programs, services, and community events.

Since relocating, the Center has expanded its programs, providing critical services. The birthday bash underscores the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone regardless of identity, age, or background can find community and empowerment.

For more details, contact Paul Marengo at 202-705-2890.