This 25-year-old company has garnered an international reputation for performances of classical and contemporary works by such celebrated choreographers as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor and its own artistic director, Septime Webre.

Fall, winter and spring programs are held in the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater. Washington Ballet performs family shows (such as "Peter Pan") at the Warner Theatre. It's also known for its traditional holiday presentation of "The Nutcracker," which is performed annually at both the Warner and the Center for the Arts at George Mason University.

The Washington Ballet tours extensively throughout the United States and overseas. The company has performed in much of Europe, Asia and Latin America. It often brings home awards as well, having captured the Gold Medal at the Moscow Ballet Competition and First Prize at the Prix de Lausanne.

Still under the direction of Washington Ballet founder Mary Day, the Washington School of Ballet accepts up to 400 students from preschool to adult years, from beginner to high-intermediate levels.

--Brad Hathaway