The streets of Washington, DC were alive with energy on Saturday, November 22, as protestors gathered in front of the Kennedy Center for a unique “dance protest” against President Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. The scene outside the nation’s art center resembled a performance, with bodies moving in synchronized motions and arms rising and falling in unison.
While other protests and events were taking place across the city, the Kennedy Center provided a powerful backdrop for this particular demonstration. The day before, the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works had launched an investigation into alleged cronyism and corruption at the Kennedy Center under the leadership of Richard Grenell, who was appointed as the interim president by Trump earlier in the year.
Since Grenell took over, there have been significant changes at the Kennedy Center, including the firing of dozens of staff members, the cancellation of diverse programming, and a controversial ban on wearing masks by the staff. This move has sparked outrage among the arts community and activists who see it as a form of censorship.
The dance protest, organized as part of the “Fall of Freedom” initiative, saw union leaders, former staff, and community members gather to perform the Nelken-Line, a dance choreographed by Pina Bausch. The protesters called for the immediate dismissal of Richard Grenell, the reinstatement of fired staff members, and the recognition of the Kennedy Center United Arts Workers Union.
As dancers twirled and swayed to the music, a massive two-dimensional rhinoceros on wheels made an appearance, symbolizing resistance against fascism and conformity. Additionally, a social action class from George Mason University created a powerful message by spelling out “silence is compliance” with ice on the crosswalk in front of the Kennedy Center.
The protest culminated in a powerful display of unity and defiance, with the words slowly melting away as a reminder of the transient nature of resistance. The community’s voice was loud and clear, demanding accountability and justice for the arts community and workers at the Kennedy Center.
