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Motion and magic

Region’s dance offerings run gamut of disciplines

Published

12 years ago

on

dance, gay news, Washington Blade
dance, gay news, Washington Blade

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

‘How to Survive a Plague’ screens June 5

Commemorating 45th anniversary of first report of AIDS

Published

3 days ago

on

May 27, 2026

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(Image via IMDB)

June 5 marks the 45th anniversary of the first report of AIDS. To commemorate the occasion, Whitman-Walker Health is sponsoring a screening of the film “How to Survive a Plague” on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at GWU Lisner Auditorium (730 21st St., N.W.). 

The screening is free and you can register on Eventbrite. Other partners involved in the screening are the Center for Black Equity, Food & Friends, HIPS, and Us Helping Us.

After the film, attendees will head to Dupont Circle for a candlelight vigil at sunset.

The film reflects on lessons from the community-led response to the plague while honoring those lost to HIV and AIDS. It tells the story of activism and innovation about AIDS survival. Culled from a trove of archival footage, the film is epic and intimate, tracking a small group of people, most of them HIV-positive, in their nine-year-long battle to save their own lives, according to a statement from Whitman-Walker.

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Out & About

Here’s how to celebrate Black queer joy

Brunch and Day Party planned for Saturday

Published

1 week ago

on

May 22, 2026

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(Photo by Whatawin/Bigstock)

Katrina Campbell-Frazier will host “Black Queer Joy: Brunch and Day Party” on Saturday, May 23 at 12 p.m. at Mixxed Food and Drinks. 

This event will bring together beautiful energy, music, games, and unforgettable moments — because joy like this deserves to be shared. 

Guests can expect unlimited rainbow mimosa flights, a “Build Your Pride” cocktail bar, full food menu and music by DJ Kei-Note K69, among other things. 

This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

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Calendar

Calendar: May 22-28

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

1 week ago

on

May 22, 2026

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Friday, May 22

Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.

Trans Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This event is intended to provide an emotionally and physically safe space for trans people and those who may be questioning their gender identity/expression to join together in community and learn from one another. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Saturday, May 23

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. 

Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 1 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black Lesbian. For more details, email [email protected]. 

Sunday, May 24

Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative will host “Sundae Tea: Legendary Community Talk-Back” at 6 p.m. at the Howard Theatre. This is a laid-back gathering where community vibes meet lively conversations. This legendary talk-back is your chance to share thoughts, hear stories, and connect with awesome people. Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite. 

Monday, May 25

Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The Queer Book Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month to discuss books by queer authors. This month’s reading is “To Shape a Dragon’s Breath” by Moniquill Blackgoose For more details, visit the DC Center’s website. 

Tuesday, May 26

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 that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook. 

Wednesday, May 27

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.

Thursday, May 28

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. 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 LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website. 

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