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With its dazzling hybrid of western ballet and Chinese culture, National Ballet of China returns to thrill audiences with its luminous fusion of traditions, telling the story of a family’s Chinese New Year celebration—set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured Nutcracker score.

For its annual Kennedy Center engagement, the beloved company presents brand new works, contemporary favorites, and the signature Ailey classic Revelations.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment is a devastatingly modern psychological thriller that provided choreographer Helen Pickett and director James Bonas with a startling source for a ballet. Watch as striking movement depicts a young man’s journey towards redemption.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company makes a triumphant return to the Kennedy Center as the company commemorates 70 years of extraordinary dance, featuring a world premiere by Hope Boykin (Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at the Kennedy Center).

Complexions Contemporary Ballet is recognized for its new, exciting vision of human movement. Its first full company engagement at the Kennedy Center includes a new work by Dwight Rhoden, set to songs from U2’s acoustic album Songs of Surrender.

The whole family will delight in the misadventures of the spirited Swanilda, her foolish sweetheart Frantz, and mad inventor Dr. Coppélius in New York City Ballet’s Coppélia. The New York Times calls it a “story ballet done to perfection.”

Celebrate 60 years of impeccable dance from this legendary, ever-changing dance company! Kennedy Center Honoree Twyla Tharp is a living legend—she created Twyla Tharp Dance in 1965 and is renowned for technically precise works that expand the boundaries of ballet and modern dance.

Akram Khan is one of the most innovative choreographers in the world, drawing on the Indian classical dance form kathak along with contemporary movement. In his new work GIGENIS, The generation of the Earth, Khan boldly stages Greek mythology, ancient legends, and even family memories.

Acosta Danza is one of the most exciting new dance companies today, touring the world with a vibrant combination of classical, contemporary, and Cuban dance. The company makes its Kennedy Center debut with five vibrant works, each by a different choreographer putting a twist on Cuban culture. 

Birmingham Royal Ballet makes a thunderous debut with its thrilling, headbanging hit Black Sabbath – The Ballet. Get ready for sparks to fly in the first true heavy metal ballet experience, honoring Birmingham–born band Black Sabbath.

As Local Dance Commissioning Project Awardees, Jamison Curcio and Shanice Mason will present a new work entitled I have a secret to tell you…, an invitation to discover, reframe, and practice being in community with Black women and femmes.