Finding the World at the Washington Center

Originally published on the JOLT News on October 16, 2025

Differences in language can either confuse us or intrigue us. Regardless of the attitude you choose, there is an opportunity to connect with a human being on a deeper, perhaps more spiritual level.

There are certain life experiences that are universal like love, heartbreak, joy and grief. When felt at its fullest, we don’t have the exact words to describe their sensations. Thus, we can connect through music, art and emotion anywhere we go.

I keenly enjoyed these experiences, as I chatted with Oleksandr Stoianov of the Grand Kyiv Ballet about an upcoming performance on Monday, Oct. 20, at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts, and as I watched the Mariachi Herencia de México on the center’s stage on Wednesday night.

I invite you to travel the world and let art be your passport, and I recommend making your first stop at the Washington Center.

'Snow White'

"Snow White" in ballet? What an enchanting idea. A production of this high quality would typically require a road trip to Seattle at the very least, but we are so blessed that they will be coming to our town.

This show is family friendly and promises love, humor and joy. Audiences will get to learn a little bit more about Ukrainian ballet and enjoy the beautiful costumes and decorations that come directly from Kyiv, Ukraine. Can you imagine a better way to spend a Monday night? I can’t. Go grab your ticket now.

Chatting with Artistic Director Oleksandr Stoianov, I learned the company looks at its timeline with a “before war” and “after war” mindset. Established in 2014, the Grand Kyiv Ballet toured throughout Europe. Fast forward to 2022, the company came to America with the goal of educating people on what was going on in Ukraine.

“After each performance, we would open the Ukrainian flag and (honor) our culture,” he shared. “Before the war, Ukrainian dancers danced with soul (as they still do). After the war, it has gained more energy, purpose and drive because a lot of our dancers had families and friends in Ukraine under attack.”

In moments of war and complete distraught, our world might be tempted to put art on the sidelines, but that is when art is the most important. Art is what keeps our souls fed, our hope alive, reminding us of what we are fighting for — love and peace.

Considering the importance of ballet in our world context, Stoianov reflected, “since the days of the Roman Empire, societies have understood the importance of giving people spectacular performances. Offering art today is not just about entertainment, it’s about nourishment. Nourishment for the soul and for that of a nation, cultivating strength and resilience.” 

As time has gone on, the company has been motivated by gratitude for everything the states have done to support the dancers during the war, and have recently focused on spreading happiness, beauty and love to audiences.

“Now it is our time to give back through our work on the stage,” Stoianov said. “A lot of people have problems at home or at work. We can give them two hours of good music (and lovely dancing) and recharge.”

Whatever you are carrying, I invite you to set it down for one evening and come to the ballet. I will see you in the audience. Get your tickets here.

Mariachi Herencia de México

Celebrating and innovating the timeless traditions of Mariachi music, Mariachi Herencia de México brought their world to our beloved Washington Center stage. This twice Grammy nominated group carried a vibrant energy through each song.

I have heard Mariachi style music before, but it was not until this performance that I realized just how much skill, training and dedication this genre takes. Each instrumentalist played with impressive focus at incredible speeds.

The vocalists had outstanding vibrato that had an almost operatic characteristic at some points. There was such a pure tone in their notes, which was highlighted in the acapella sections. I was particularly moved by the moments that had an almost angsty, very soulful quality.

The majority of the music was played in forte, if not fortissimo, establishing a party-like atmosphere. Of course, the one time I did not buy Reese's at concessions is the time I needed that sugar boost the most (stupid dieting). I could not quite keep up with the exuberance, but I was encouraged to see that my fellow neighbors in the audience could.

Check out the Washington Center website for future cultural experiences and performances.

Finding the world at the Washington Center | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit