A self-described “MAGA former dancer” is now leading the Kennedy Center’s dance programming, and he’s inherited a series decimated by local boycotts, according to ticket sales data reviewed by Washingtonian .

Stephen Nakagawa, who until earlier this year was a company member at the Washington Ballet, replaces Jane Rabinowitz Raleigh, a veteran local arts administrator who was fired August 21 by Kennedy Center president Richard Grenell.

Although most of the Kennedy Center’s 2025–26 dance programming was contractually locked in before President Trump took over leadership of the center in February, Washington audiences are voting with their feet to skip out. Ticket sales are so poor, the Stuttgart Ballet will be performing for an Opera House between 4 and 19 percent full when the Germ

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