Arts & Entertainment
Cowboys’ last hurrah
Local hunks wrap up storied run; gay-led classical troupes plan performances


Look for the D.C. Cowboys’ farewell performance this summer at Capital Pride. (Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Several of the region’s dance offerings feature gay performers, themes and directors. Among the highlights:
The D.C. Cowboys, a gay line dancing company, are saying farewell this season after 17 years of performing with several upcoming events in D.C. and across the country. The first stop on the “Farewell Tour” is a performance at D.C. Jewish Community Center (1529 16th Street N.W.) Purim Party hosted by GLOE on Saturday from 8:30 to midnight. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door and can be purchased at dcjcc.org. The tour comes to a close in June at the Capital Pride Festival. Take this moment to say goodbye to your favorite dancers. For more information visit dccowboys.org.
On Sunday at 3 p.m. Intersections Presents SMYAL’s Youth Arts Ensemble and Dance Exchanges Teen Exchange. SMYAL (The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) engages youth in the arts as part of its programs to support self-confident, healthy, productive lives for LGBT youth. Dance Exchange’s Teen Exchange offers young people opportunities to grow as movers and thinkers. This is a free performance that will take place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H Street N.E.).
VT Dance/Vincent Thomas premieres “Shadows” Sunday and Monday at the Theatre Project Baltimore in Baltimore (45 West Preston Street). “Shadows” explores the ideas of manhood and masculinity. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased btp.taxato.com. They will also take the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage (2700 F Street N.W.) on June 13.
On March 30-April 1, Ballet Preljocaj, led by artistic director Angelin Preljocaj, brings Blanche Neige (Snow White) to the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater (2700 F St., N.W.). With costumes designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, the gay designer who’s designed beautifully outlandish costumes for Madonna and Lady Gaga, this retelling is bound to be a delight. Tickets start at $18 and are available at kennedy-center.org.
American tap dancer and prodigy Savion Glover will take the stage at the Warner Theatre (1513 13th Street N.W.) on March 30-31 with his performance SoLe Sanctuary. Tickets are available at warnertheatredc.com and range from $29-$59.
The renowned New York City Ballet will perform twice at the Kennedy Center Opera House (2700 F Street N.W.) and will be accompanied by the Opera House Orchestra April 3-8. Tickets are $25-$85 and are available at kennedy-center.org.
Gay choreographer Dana Tai Soon Burgess and his company will kick off their 20th anniversary season April 4-5 with performances showcasing the highlights of The Dana Tai Soon Burgess and Company performances. This performance will include the works “Becoming American,” “Hyphen,” “Khaybet” and “Fractures.” The dance company will take the stage at The George Washington University Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre (800 21st St., N.W.). This is the same theater where Burgess launched his company two decades ago. Tickets are $15 for students, $22 for artists and $25 for general admission. For information, visit dtsbco.com.
Dana Tai Soon Burgess and company will also dance at the National Portrait Gallery (800 F St., N.W.) on May 18.
The Washington Ballet presents the world premiere of “Alice (in Wonderland)” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Eisenhower Theater (2700 F St., N.W.) April 11-15. This piece is choreographed by gay director and choreographer Septime Webre. Tickets range from $50-$155 and can be purchased at kennedy-center.org.
The Washington Ballet also premieres its piece “Once Upon a Time” this spring at the THEARC Theater (1901 Mississippi Ave., S.E.) on May 19-20. This piece is inspired by fairy tales around the world and includes dancer Lucy Bowen McCauley. Tickets are $50.
Dance Place (3225 8th St., N.E.) has a wide selection of exciting performances set for spring. For details, visit danceplace.org
Gay choreographer Wally Cardona comes to Dance Place on April 6-7 at 8 p.m. with Jennifer Lacey to present “Tool is Loot.” Tickets are $22 and are available at danceplace.org.
Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company has several events planned for spring in the area including an appearance at Dance Place on April 29. This gay-helmed outfit is celebrating its eighth year. For more information on their spring season, visit dakshina.org.
The D.C. Lambda Squares, an LGBT square-dancing social group, has many square dance events coming up in the spring including community dances and club format dance nights. For more information, visit dclambdasquares.org. Lambda DanceSport D.C. is an organization that supports the art and sport of same-gender dancing across all genres and has classes taught in Dupont Circle. For more information and a schedule of classes, visit LambdaDanceSport.com.

Friday, May 23
“Center Aging Monthly Luncheon and Yoga” will be at 12 p.m. in person at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. For more details, email [email protected].
Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity and/or expression. For more details, email [email protected].
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, May 24
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and 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.
Black Lesbian Mixer will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a support group dedicated to the joys of being a Black lesbian. For more details, email [email protected].
Sunday, May 25
“The Queen’s Table: A Women’s Empowerment Brunch” will be at 11 a.m. at Zooz. This event will celebrate queer women’s strength. For more details visit Eventbrite.
Monday, May 26
“Center Aging Monday Coffee and Conversation” 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 details, email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 27
Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a support group for people who identify outside of the gender binary. Whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know you’re not 100 percent cis — this is your group. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.
Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.
Wednesday, May 28
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. 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.
Thursday, May 29
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. To be fairer with who is receiving boxes, the program is moving to a lottery system. 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 with Charles M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breathwork, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



























2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)










