Metropolitan School of the Arts Beauty and the Beast

The Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) invites audiences to step into a world of magic and transformation as its Youth Ballet Conservatory Program will present its spring production of Beauty and the Beast at the historic George Washington Masonic National Memorial at 101 Callahan Drive in Alexandria, Va. on Sat., April 18 and Sun., April 19, 2026 with seatings on 2 PM and 6 PM on Saturday, and 12 PM and 5 PM on Sunday. Ticket costs range from $24 to $32. Go to www.metrpolitanarts.org. This year’s production features two of MSA’s most accomplished junior dancers, Isabella Stephens and Rebecca Sanborn, who will share the lead role of Belle. Both dancers are standouts of MSA’s Youth Ballet Conservatory Program and have achieved the prestigious advanced 2 certification, the highest level within the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) program. Their technical prowess is matched by their stage experience; both have previously graced the stage as Clara in MSA’s annual Nutcracker. Furthermore, Sanborn arrives at this production following a distinguished recognition in the Top 24 at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). MSA is proud to welcome guest artist Shaw Wu from the Manassas Ballet. Wu’s participation offers the student ensemble a unique opportunity to collaborate with a professional lead, elevating the production's caliber for the Alexandria community. "Through its themes of compassion, courage, and looking beyond outward appearances, Beauty and the Beast offers a meaningful and timely message about how we see and value one another," said Jacqueline Doherty, Metropolitan School of the Arts youth ballet artistic director. ABOUT METROPOLITAN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (MSA) provides a cutting-edge performing arts studio training in a holistic learning environment that cultivates creativity, builds community and empowers students. The studio offers a post-high school graduate/gap program as well, for those students who desire an extra year to prepare for admittance into a performing arts university. Many students from MSA studios go on to perform in prestigious arenas including Broadway, National Tours, The Juilliard School, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Washington Ballet, The American Academy of Ballet, Universal Ballet Academy, The Kirov Ballet, The Hartt School, Marymount University (New York), Ford’s Theater and Mark Morris Dance Company. Pre-performing arts programs include: a youth tap ensemble, a youth ballet, an improv company, a jazz company, a hip hop company, and a musical theatre company. Visit www.metropolitanarts.org, Facebook and Instagram @metropolitan_arts.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3563044-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3563044-2

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