Today's Top Stop: All You Need Is Dance

THE STRUCTURE, the intricacy, the harmonies, the grace of the music -- it's hard to say who was the more progressive artistic force, J.S. Bach or the Fab Four.
Washington Ballet artistic director Septime Webre and young-turk choreographer Trey McIntyre don't have to decide. They bring the music of both together with "The Bach/Beatles Project," in which the "Goldberg" variations meet "Strawberry Fields Forever" and other Beatles hits, and the able WB dancers capture the spirit of each.

The last few months have been tough on D.C.'s major ballet company. A dispute late last year derailed the troupe's season, canceling its annual "Nutcracker" performances and two subsequent planned programs as well. The company re-convened and began rehearsals again only in late March.

"The Bach/Beatles Project" is a fitting way to re-introduce local audiences to the Washington Ballet. It has all the rigor of the company's classical repertoire and the youthful exuberance of a troupe of young dancers performing works full of new ideas. And, shrewdly, the music -- as well as the impressive price range for tickets -- will appeal to many fans of the ballet, whether they hum the works of J.S. or Lennon-McCartney on the way home.
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW; tonight through Sat., 8 p.m.; also Sat., 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 & 5 p.m., $19-$105; 202-467-4600. (Foggy Bottom-GWU)

This post was written by Express' Arion Berger
Photo courtesy The Kennedy Center