Liberal performers recently protested as President Donald Trump took over leadership of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The individuals delivered an interpretive dance outside of the venue in reaction to Trump’s move, as he has vowed to make the Kennedy Center “great again” after criticizing their choice of performances in recent years.
Footage from the incident shows the protestors walking in a straight line around the Kennedy Center, dancing to music in unison. Dancer and educator Kelly King, who organized the protest, said, “It felt symbolic in that we’re moving in unison … And there’s something just compelling to see a straight line of movers dancing this way in a march.”
She further described the historic performances at the center as “classical ballet and very white programming or European-based programming.” However, King noted that, in accordance with recent DEI trends, “many more contemporary works and some under the radar dance offerings that give both artists and audience an opportunity to expand their horizons. And that has been really exciting and encouraging to see.”
King explained that the protest was not interrupted by security at the venue. “They were unsure of what they were going to encounter with us,” says King, “And as I spoke to them individually and they saw what we were doing, they realized that we were certainly not a threat. And I think perhaps by the end they were entertained.”
The protest garnered mixed reactions on social media. Conservative commentator Nick Sortor wrote on X, “The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC has just been evacuated due to a B0MB THREAT. Leftists have been throwing a FIT at the Kennedy Center since Trump banned drag shows targeted at children and made himself Chair.”
President Trump previously announced the changes that are set to occur at the Kennedy Center, writing on Truth Social, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture. We will soon announce a new Board, with an amazing Chairman, DONALD J. TRUMP!”
Slamming the center for hosting drag performances for children, Trump added, “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”
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Watch the protest below:
Furthermore, the Kennedy Center recently canceled an upcoming performance from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. (GMCW) shortly after President Donald Trump took over as the chairman of the venue’s board of trustees. “We are deeply disappointed with the news that our upcoming Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been canceled. The piece was intended to be a part of the Kennedy Center’s Pride celebration and we were very excited to be collaborating with the NSO as their guest chorus on the piece titled “A Peacock Among Pigeons,” a statement from the group read.
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.