Diversity & Inclusion
The Washington Ballet is committed to increasing opportunities and access for all youth who wish to study ballet at a high level. The professional company includes dancers from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, representing 15 nationalities. As the ballet company of the nation’s capital, The Washington Ballet is committed to reflecting the community we serve.
As the only major American ballet company with a thriving campus dedicated solely to a low-income, primarily African American neighborhood, The Washington Ballet works to address the lack of ethnic and racial diversity in ballet. The Washington School of Ballet’s SE campus, housed at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), provides free and affordable access to first class dance training and performances.
- The Washington Ballet is a founding partner of THEARC, a joint-use facility located in the heart of Ward 8.
- All classes at TWSB SE are offered on a sliding tuition scale based on income and family size, with costs starting at $285 per student for the full school year.
- Ninety percent of families receive tuition assistance at TWSB SE. In the 2017.18 season, 225 students received tuition relief valued at nearly $400,000.