Story perspectives

San Francisco Ballet Cancels Performances Amid Kennedy Center Controversy

3/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The San Francisco Ballet canceled its late-May performances at the Kennedy Center.
The move followed patron pressure and backlash against Kennedy Center leadership under U.S. President Donald Trump, who renamed the center and announced a two-year closure for renovations.
The ballet's board said it hopes to perform in Washington, D.C., in the future.
The cancellation mirrors other artists withdrawing from the Kennedy Center amid ongoing controversies.

1 of 1

Story summary

The San Francisco Ballet canceled its late-May performances at the Kennedy Center.
The move followed patron pressure and backlash against Kennedy Center leadership under U.S. President Donald Trump, who renamed the center and announced a two-year closure for renovations.
The ballet's board said it hopes to perform in Washington, D.C., in the future.
The cancellation mirrors other artists withdrawing from the Kennedy Center amid ongoing controversies.