The company's 2004-05 season runs through May and includes a new production of The Nutcracker choreographed by artistic director Septime Webre; Trey McIntyre's new version of Rite of Spring; and a program called "Unplugged," which features Webre's own Fluctuating Hemlines, set to a percussion score, along with a collection of world premieres.

The Washington Ballet was founded in 1976 by influential dance educator Mary Day, who also co-founded the Washington School of Ballet in 1944. Webre has been artistic director since 1999.