Music & Concerts
Out ballet dancer enjoys ‘diverse array of work’
Daniel Roberge balances artistic drive, clean credit score over eight years in D.C.
Daniel Roberge says Washington has been a good fit for him artistically and personally. (Photo by Eduardo Patino)
Daniel Roberge was acting, singing and dancing in his native Australia when he was still a little boy. But at 16, he unwittingly embarked on a career when he began classical ballet training in Newcastle, his hometown.
Within a year he was successfully competing in international ballet competitions and after several additional years of training, he relocated to Washington where he’s a company dancer with The Washington Ballet. He’ll be featured in its upcoming productions “The Washington Ballet Welcomes,” “Contemporary Masters” and the annual six-week run of “The Nutcracker” followed by “The Sleeping Beauty.”
During off-season from the ballet, Roberge, 27, takes on other dancing gigs. In June he was part of Chamber Dance Project’s stunning program “Ballet, Chant & Song” at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre. Chamber Dance Project’s founder and artistic director Diane Coburn Bruning says Roberge is all about “clarity and commitment. He’s a hardworking dancer who doesn’t know how to give anything less than 110 percent. He’s also a lot of fun.”
“Chant,” an especially beautiful new piece in the luminous program which Bruning describes as a visceral sculpture of sound and movement, featured hauntingly sublime chanters and insanely agile ballet dancers including Roberge and two other strong male dancers clad only in long skirts.
At the post performance party at trendy Hotel Monaco, a rapt female admirer recommended Roberge always dance shirtless.
Recently Roberge, speaking via phone directly from the beach at gay hotspot Fire Island Pines, New York, addressed the idea of dancing shirtless and other facets of a dancer’s life.
WASHINGTON BLADE: So how about dancing shirtless?
DANIEL ROBERGE: With the amount of work we put into it, why not let the people see that? It’s nice to see how muscles ripple — it’s the cause and effect of movement. That shows best when you’re shirtless or in tights.
BLADE: And what brought you to DC, rather than, say, New York City with all its dance companies?
ROBERGE: The Washington Ballet. It struck me as a good fit. I liked their diverse array of work. I knew I’d be able to use my background in jazz and musical theater. I didn’t know much about the town. That came later. I was excited about work and fell in love with the city afterward. In my travels I’m always an advocate for the city. Subsequently I’ve found many opportunities here including doing an ad campaign for D.C.’s City Center. For right now my career is just where I’d like it to be.
BLADE: And do you have a favorite ballet?
ROBERGE: I like doing anything that makes me feel good whether that means the process or the music. I do what I do because I love it. That’s the only way I can put it. Each piece is unique. I feel different things for different pieces. I love contemporary work and I love classical ballet too although it can be a little rigid sometimes. Working on Chamber Dance Project’s “Chant” allowed us all to bring what we have to the table. And when you do that it doesn’t feel like work.
BLADE: As a kid you did musical theater. Have you brought that to Washington Ballet?
ROBERGE: Yes, though I was never a principal actor, I love doing non-dancing character roles in ballet. I’m comfortable doing it and I’m good at it. I received very good reviews for playing Bottom en pointe in … “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and for tapping in another of our ballets. I’m a versatile dancer and performer for sure.
BLADE: And when you’re not working?
ROBERGE: My partner and I travel a lot. He’s a Midwesterner who works in medical education. Before he met me he’d never been to a ballet. We’re different but I’ve exposed him to the arts. It’s changed him. I’ve learned a lot from him too. Also, I’m working on a liberal arts degree. It’s been interesting because as dancers we start our professional careers so early, we don’t have a lot of time for university.
BLADE: Is it difficult being on the other side of the world from your native country?
ROBERGE: I came to the U.S. with dual citizenship and the money I’d won at a ballet competition in 2009 in Singapore. And with that I made it work. When I reflect on the last eight years, I think about how far I’ve come. I have a good credit score and a savings account. And most importantly I’ve learned from other people’s mistakes. I’ve seen people get into debt, spiral out of control on drugs and other things. Things could have gone very differently for me. Also, I came out young. Basically, I’ve always been out. And my parents have been fine with it. I’ve never had to overcompensate for that. And I think that’s helped a lot to build the confidence that I have today.
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Music & Concerts
Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring
Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert
D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.
March
3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.
3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.
April
4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”
4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.
4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”
4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.
4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.
4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.
4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.
May
5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.
5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.
5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.
5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.
June
6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
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