Following a year and a half of successfully navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to share virtual and in-person performances, classes, and programming with Middle Tennessee audiences, Nashville Ballet company artists were set to make their big return to the stage at Andrew Jackson Hall at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center this weekend with Paul Vasterling’s Peter Pan. Unfortunately, in the early hours of Friday morning, just hours before opening night, a mechanical failure with the fire suppression system in the James K. Polk Cultural Center caused significant water damage to TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall stage as well as to Nashville Ballet’s sets and production equipment. The amount of water released has created complications that would prevent Nashville Ballet from ensuring the safety of patrons, dancers, crew, staff, and musicians. With the health and safety of these groups in mind, Nashville Ballet is left with no choice but to cancel this weekend’s performances of Peter Pan.
“The support of our patrons has been invaluable over the past year and a half, and that support has enabled us to adapt to so many circumstances outside of our control,” said Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “I know I speak for all of our dancers, faculty, and staff when I say we are heartsick over this decision. Just a few short hours ago, we were eagerly looking forward to performing for audiences again. But if there is anything we have learned during the pandemic, it’s that working through challenges such as these always create room for new opportunities and growth, and we are confident that this situation will be no exception.”
Nashville Ballet is currently working diligently alongside TPAC to evaluate the extent of the damage and whether they will be able to reschedule these performances. Ticket holders are being personally contacted by a member of Nashville Ballet staff and, as new information becomes available, updates will be shared on nashvilleballet.com and via email.
For more information, please visit nashvilleballet.com.
About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring hybrid learning dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries, and public elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class in-studio, on-demand, and outdoor dance instruction to students age 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com.
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