There is something quietly extraordinary about watching the flow of art in movement — at the Manassas Ballet. It's like watching consciousness slip between rooms. No words, no narration — just music, dancers, and the kind of artistry that stops you in your tracks. As a poet, I am always drawn to the spaces where the imaginational language gives way to a much deeper brilliance.

This spring, that brilliance was on full display. Don Quixote — one of ballet's most beloved and joyful productions — follows the charmingly delusional knight and his loyal squire Sancho Panza through a world of romance, comedy, and breathtaking dancing — set to Ludwig Minkus's lively score performed live by the MBT Orchestra. This spring's production had a standout story at its center: former Los Angeles Ballet dancer Robert Westover stepped back into the spotlight in the title role after 40 years away from the stage. That's the kind of moment you don't forget.

Manassas Ballet Theatre has been part of this community since 1983, with a mission to make professional ballet accessible and affordable across Northern Virginia. They're a nonprofit, they're local, and they're genuinely wonderful.

Missed Don Quixote? The 2026–2027 season is already taking shape — and it looks like a great one:

🎷 Jazz in Motion — Oct. 23–25, 2026 🎄 Nutcracker — Dec. 16–23, 2026 🐺 Peter and the Wolf & More! — Mar. 12–14, 2027 🌸 Giselle — May 7–9, 2027

All performances at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Tickets start at $40.

Learn more and get tickets at manassasballet.org. 🩰

Photo by Michael Afonso / Unsplash

The Woodbridge Gazette covers arts, community, and life along the Potomac. Subscribe for free at woodbridgegazette.com. Follow us on Instagram @woodbridgegazette

— Marie Clementi, Publisher & Editor