San Francisco Ballet cancels Kennedy Center shows - report

San Francisco Ballet (SFB) has cancelled its performances at The Kennedy Center, the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper reported on 28th February 2026.

SFB was due to perform Mere Mortals at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in late-May.

"Victory!" Daniel Detorie, a San Francisco resident, who set up a petition page in January on Change.org to collect signatures asking SFB to cancel its Kennedy Center shows.

He said in the petition update;

"It would not have happened if everyone had not signed the petition...and sent comments that touched the San Francisco Ballet Board of Directors.

Thank you! Thank you! From the bottom of my heart.

Now go and buy tickets for any San Francisco Ballet this season.

It's time to celebrate OUR San Francisco Ballet!"

SFB's cancellation follows a slew of artists, who have withdrawn their performances from The Kennedy Center since U.S. President Donald Trump practically took over the traditionally bi-partisan performing art centre last year.

Earlier in February, Trump announced the closure of the centre for a two-year renovation starting July 2026.