Kennedy Center Faces Cancellation Amid Full MAGA Shift
The Martha Graham Dance Company, America’s oldest dance troupe, has announced the cancellation of its performance at the Kennedy Center. This event was part of a nationwide tour celebrating the company’s centennial and was scheduled for April. In a statement released on Friday, the company expressed regret over this decision, hoping to return to the venue in the future.
Kennedy Center Performance Cancellations
The cancellation of the Martha Graham Dance Company is one of several recent withdrawals from performances at the Kennedy Center. The company has not provided a specific reason for its decision to drop out. This trend follows a series of cancellations linked to a controversial name change at the Kennedy Center.
- Donald Trump had his name added to the Kennedy Center on December 19, 2022.
- The building was informally renamed: “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
- This change has sparked criticism, particularly regarding its implications about memorializing a living president.
Artists Leaving the Kennedy Center
Since this unofficial name change, several artists have canceled performances, including:
- Béla Fleck, Grammy-winning bluegrass musician
- Sonia De Los Santos, Mexican-born songwriter
- Washington National Opera
The ongoing cancellations appear to correlate with the shift in leadership and direction at the Kennedy Center under President Richard Grennell. Following the departures of artists, Grennell has publicly criticized some of these performers. He described the Washington National Opera as a “financial disaster” and has accused Béla Fleck of succumbing to “woke” pressures.
Leadership Changes at the Kennedy Center
Under Grennell’s leadership, the Kennedy Center aims to diminish what it characterizes as “wokeness” from its programming. In August, the center appointed Stephen Nakagawa as the new director of dance and programming. Nakagawa expressed his intent to move away from leftist ideologies, focusing instead on showcasing classical ballet’s traditional forms and aesthetics.
Future of Dance at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has historically been a venue for notable companies, including the American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet, while also hosting modern choreographed productions. As it seeks to redefine its dance programming, Grennell has reportedly advocated for a style reminiscent of popular dance competition shows.
As tensions continue around the name change and artistic direction, the future of performances at the Kennedy Center remains uncertain.
