The shakeups continue at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Recently Vice President and Executive Producer of Theater Jeffrey Finn resigned from his position
On the heels of Finn’s departure, the Kennedy Center has fired director of dance programming Jane Raleigh and assistant managers Mallory Miller and Malik Burnet. The dismissals were quick and abrupt on August 21.
Former dancer and choreographer with the Washington Ballet, Stephen Nakagawa has been named to replace Raleigh’s replacement.
In a post of Facebook, Raleigh – who has been the director of dance programming for the past 12 years – believes her being fired was related to her support of a union at the Kennedy Center saying, “in May of this year, my colleagues filed a petition to form a labor union. From the beginning, I have been publicly supportive of this effort as the staff were fighting to maintain the trust we have with our artists and audiences, maintain our free speech and artistic integrity, and maintain our ability to do the work we are committed to day in and day out. While I was told my dismissal was due to a ‘loss of confidence in my leadership,’ I know this firing to be in retaliation for my public support of the ongoing union organization drive at the Center.”
As director of dance programming, Raleigh brought such groups as the New York City Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, and Martha Graham Dance Company who performed classic ballet and contemporary dance programs.
Raleigh stated that shortly before her firing, current Kennedy Center president Richard Grennell – who was brought on board shortly after the hostile takeover in February – wanted “more broadly appealing programs like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘Swan Lake’”.
Nakagawa issued a statement saying, “it is a tremendous honor to join the Kennedy Center at such a pivotal moment for the performing arts. The arts have always been at the heart of my life. I am eager to help inspire and uplift audiences, while ensuring dance continues to thrive as a vibrant and essential part of our culture and community.”
Grenell issued a statement on Nakagawa saying, “we are honored that Stephen Nakagawa will be joining the Kennedy Center full-time to lead Dance Programming. Stephen is a celebrated ballerino who has been trained by world-renowned artistic directors and was a company dancer right here in Washington, D.C. with The Washington Ballet. Stephen is passionate about dance education and finding ways to reach new audiences.”
The Kennedy Center United Arts Worker’s (nascent) union also issued a statement on the firings saying “the latest move in the Grenell’s administration’s chaotic campaign of intimidation, harassment and retaliation against Kennedy Center workers…all while he drives the heralded institution into the ground.”
The most recent firings are just the latest in a growing list of chaos after the overthrow of the administration at the Kennedy Center in a hostile takeover in February where every replacement has been filled with people who are loyal and dedicated to the current White House administration.
To date more than 50 Kennedy Center employees have either been fired or resigned from the Kennedy Center.
There has been suggestions of changing the name of the Kennedy Center and the opera house.
Recently the 2025 recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors was named with no mention of how the names were chosen.
Recently the 2025 recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors was named with no mention of how the names were chosen with Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gayner, KISS, and George Strait.
After the take over there was a great deal of ranting over “woke programs, drag queens, and out of control political propaganda”; but “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Chicago” have both played at the Kennedy Center.