Arts & Entertainment
Adam Rippon wins ‘Dancing with the Stars: Athletes’
The 28-year-old is the first male figure skater to secure the Mirror Ball

Jenna Johnson and Adam Rippon on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
Adam Rippon and his dancing partner Jenna Johnson were crowned the winners of “Dancing with the Stars: Athletes.”
The 28-year-old is the first male figure skater to receive the title.
Former Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding and her partner Sasha Farber tied with Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and his partner Sharna Burgess for second place.
Johnson and Rippon wrapped up the season with a jazz dance routine to “Anything You Can Do” which earned them a perfect score of 30 from the judges.
The last round was the freestyle dance which had Johnson and Rippon dancing to “Scooby Doo Pa Pa” by DJ Kass. The judges weren’t as pleased with the performance earning the dance partners a score of 26.
However, Johnson and Rippon still secured the coveted Mirror Ball.
Even though the show is over, Rippon and Johnson say they will be “forever friends.”
“May the record show, Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson’s names are forever engraved, well-printed,” Rippon told Entertainment Tonight. “This has been such an incredible experience, just pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and more than that, getting to meet somebody who I’m gonna be friends with for the rest of my life. It’s just been such an incredible experience.”
The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
















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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball
Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride
The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
























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PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
D.C.-area productions honored at Theatre Washington’s annual ceremony
Theatre Washington’s 42nd Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 18.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)


































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