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San Francisco Ballet Cancels May Kennedy Center Engagement

The decision follows months of pressure over the venue's leadership.

Overview

  • SF Ballet’s Board of Trustees said the May 27–31 performances will no longer take place and expressed interest in returning to Washington, D.C., in the future.
  • The canceled program was Mere Mortals, an experimental work scored by British electronic musician Floating Points.
  • The Washington, D.C., venue, reported as the Trump Kennedy Center for the Arts, is scheduled to close for two years of renovations starting July 2.
  • President Donald Trump became chair of the Kennedy Center’s board in February 2025, and some acts subsequently had invitations rescinded.
  • Kennedy Center officials criticized artist pullouts, with president Richard Grenell urging performers to play for everyone and a spokeswoman blaming cancel culture.