About the Young Men’s Scholarship Program

Male and female dancers require different skills to perform different roles, so why should their training be exactly the same? Nashville Ballet’s Young Men’s Scholarship Program (YMSP) offers specialized training for young men, tailored to their unique needs and taught by men. Working together, male dancers push themselves and each other in a supportive environment that centers on athleticism, strength, camaraderie, and discipline.

The curriculum mirrors elements of the Academy Division, but with a special emphasis on developing specific male techniques and addressing the unique challenges that face young men. Students will not only grow into confident young artists inside the studio, but strong men of character outside the studio as they learn respect, self-expression, and team-building skills.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER FOR AN AUDITION

• Headshots and resumes are not required.

• Dancers may bring pointe shoes.

• Only water and ballet shoes are permitted in the studio; dance bags will remain in the lobby.

• The audition will be a technique class. No other material needs to be prepared ahead of time.

• Parents/guardians please wait in the lobby for the duration of the audition.

• Dancers aged 12 and under may be excused early to allow time for pointe work etc.

Enrollment & Registration Information

2023–2024 School Year August 14-May 13

Enrollment is offered on an annual basis.
All students receive one full academic year of tuition-FREE training, followed by merit-based scholarships.

Questions? Contact us at 615-297-2966 x910 or school@nashvilleballet.com.

Level 1: Recommended Experience 1-2 years

In conjunction with one Academy class a week, this male-specific class is tailored to keep students engaged and focused while introducing them to School of Nashville Ballet class structure. 

• Introduction of barre work

• Learning ballet vocabulary and definitions

• Developing strength and flexibility to properly engage turnout and execute fundamental positions

• Combining coordination-specific movement patterns 

• Incorporating musicality with movement 

LEVEL 2: Recommended Experience 2-3 Years

This class teaches young men within a full School of Nashville Ballet class structure while using innovative approaches to keeping students engaged and invested. There is an emphasis on teaching students to work together as a unit and instilling a sense of respect for themselves, others, and the art form.

• Learning to master basic placement and positioning 

• Adding more advanced ballet vocabulary and definitions 

• Incorporating port de bra and épaulement within movement patterns to challenge coordination 

• Focusing on male-specific movement, including preparations and timing 

LEVEL 3: REcommended Experience 3+ Years

This class teaches male students by building a strong and clean technical foundation while developing the students’ understanding of male-specific movement with an eye towards the demands of male classical ballet variations. 

•  Continue to refine students’ technical and artistic abilities 

• Conceptualize male-specific movement to apply it to classical male variations 

• Emphasize artistic development within a nurturing and supportive space 

• Empower students to be self-aware and use critical thinking when applying corrections 

•  Use performance opportunities to gain invaluable experience and confidence on stage 

Uniform

Level 1

• Nashville Ballet embroidered white t-shirt

• Black cotton shorts

• White socks

• Bloch Dansoft full-sole ballet shoes in black

Levels 2-3

• Nashville Ballet embroidered white fitted t-shirt or Nashville Ballet embroidered white leotard

• Black convertible tights

• White socks

• Bloch Dansoft full-sole ballet shoes in black