New York City Ballet cancels Kennedy Center shows - The New York Times

New York City Ballet cancelled its shows at The Kennedy Center, The New York Times newspaper reported on 27th March 2026.

The company announced the decision to dancers in an email on the same day, without giving a public explanation, the newspaper said.

New York City Ballet had been scheduled to perform two programmes in four shows in June at The Kennedy Center, according to the newspaper. They were billed as a celebration of former company principal and Native American dancer Maria Tallchief, and a mixed bill featuring Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky's Solitude, which was inspired by the War in Ukraine.

The company's withdrawal from The Kennedy Center is the latest among a slew of cancellations by high profile artists since U.S. President Donald J Trump took over the traditionally bipartisan performing art institution in Washington D.C. in 2025.

Earlier in March, The Kennedy Center board voted for the Trump-proposed plan to shut down in July for a two-year renovation, following a slew of cancellations by artists and a fall in box office.