The Washington Ballet Welcomes Monica Stephenson

Artistic Director Julie Kent is pleased to announce that Monica Stephenson joined the faculty at The Washington Ballet's southeast campus TWB@THEARC effective September 1. The move reaffirms TWB's commitment to continuing the growth and excellence of education and community engagement programs in the greater Washington community. Stephenson previously coordinated American Ballet Theatre's Project Plié, an initiative to increase diversity in classical ballet and was a member of ABT's education staff.

In her new role, Stephenson will co-direct The Washington Ballet@THEARC Performance Ensemble, instruct TWB@THEARC students ages 7-17 and teach at John Eaton Elementary as part of TWB's arts integration program DanceDC. More aboutDanceDC.

Stephenson holds a Master of Arts in Dance Education and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Professional Training Program at the Houston Ballet Academy. Her first professional contract was with The Washington Ballet in 2002. She subsequently performed with Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, Pennsylvania Ballet, Ballet New York, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Extension program and Los Angeles Ballet. Additionally, she taught on the faculties of the Los Angeles Ballet School and the Los Angeles Summer Ballet Intensive. Monica's Full Bio

Julie Kent noted, "TWB is dedicated to providing exceptional dance training and serving the entire community through valuable engagement programs. Monica brings a wealth of knowledge and a dance education expertise that will be a great asset in influencing the lives of children in our southeast community while helping students realize their dance potential."

TWB is a company partner of American Ballet Theatre's Project Plié. Partnership opportunities have included a student meet and greet with ABT Principal Misty Copeland held at TWB@THEARC and other events.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON BALLET: The Washington Ballet (TWB) was originally founded as The Washington School of Ballet in 1944 by legendary ballet pioneer Mary Day and incorporated as a professional company in 1976. The Washington Ballet is one of the pre-eminent ballet organizations in the United States. TWB built an international reputation presenting bold works by choreographers from around the world, including Choo San Goh, Christopher Wheeldon, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Hans van Manen and Ji?í Kylián, as well as neoclassical masterworks and fresh staging of 19th century classics. Under the leadership of Interim Executive Director Shakira Segundo and Artistic Director Julie Kent, TWB continues to serve its three-part mission: ensuring excellence in its professional performance company; growing the next generation of dancers through its Washington School of Ballet; and serving the community in which it resides through robust community engagement programs.

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