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Martha Graham Dance Company Cancels April Kennedy Center Engagement

The move underscores a broader pullback following President Trump's rebranding of the venue.

Overview

  • The centennial troupe said it regrets being unable to perform in April and offered no reason for the withdrawal.
  • The cancellation follows December’s renaming that added President Trump’s name to the building and new exterior signage after a board overhaul.
  • A wave of exits has included jazz drummer Chuck Redd, Asian AF, Wayne Tucker and The Bad Mothas, and Doug Varone and Dancers, with composer Stephen Schwartz announcing a boycott.
  • Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell publicly criticized Béla Fleck after the musician canceled appearances over what he called politicization.
  • Programming has thinned as events shift, with the Let Freedom Ring concert moving to the Howard Theater for financial reasons and New York City Ballet still listed for June.