In this Digital Work, Artistic Director & CEO, Nick Mullikin Offers a Raw and Impactful Exploration of Mental Health
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 15, 2025 — Nashville Ballet's Artistic Director & CEO, Nick Mullikin, has choreographed a powerful new digital ballet, Abyss, which delves into the emotional mental health and the desire to escape one’s own mind. The work presents a thought-provoking experience that combines stunning choreography, evocative music and an intimate, cinematic approach to the storytelling through dance. The piece premiered on the Tennessean’s website yesterday and was inspired by Mullikin’s personal journey that he’s publicly sharing for the first time.
Abyss features artists Jaison McClendon and Anneliese Guerin, and begins with the main character falling into an undefined, surreal space, symbolizing the disorienting sense one feels when being overwhelmed by the world around them. The piece focuses on the mental and emotional struggle of trying to escape, reflecting the internal battle that many face when trapped in cycles of
despair. Mullikin’s choreography explores the tension between hope and hopelessness, illustrating the feeling of always striving for something just beyond reach, while the overwhelming abyss of uncertainty threatens to consume.
“This piece was created with the idea of the thoughts and mindset that can often trap us as we try to move forward in life,” Nick Mullikin explains. “It speaks to the question of ‘Is there something more? Is this what life has to offer?’ The abyss is the mental and emotional space where that question feels impossible to answer, and it can become all-consuming.”
The ballet is set to the timeless Concerto in D minor- II. Adagio by Johann Sebastian Bach, performed by renowned pianist Alessandra Volpi, whose delicate yet powerful performance deepens the emotional layers of the work. Mullikin’s choice of Bach underscores the dichotomy of beauty and struggle, creating an emotional resonance that draws viewers deeply into the narrative.
Filmed in the heart of Nashville, the production takes full advantage of the stunning capabilities of the Kingswood Production Studio on 12th Avenue South with video director Chad Driver at the helm. The setting, along with the ballet’s digital format, allowed Mullikin to push the boundaries of traditional ballet performance, creating a raw, 360-degree immersive experience on film for the audience.
The digital work is now available on Nashville Ballet’s YouTube Channel, aiming to capture a global audience to experience the universal exploration of struggle, survival and an ongoing search for meaning.
Abyss serves as a prelude to Nashville Ballet’s upcoming production of their annual Attitude series on May 2 - 4, returning to the Polk Theater at TPAC to include the visionary works of renowned choreographers Jennifer Archibald and Penny Saunders, alongside the highly-anticipated world premiere of Erase the Night by Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin.
Mullikin’s Erase the Night dives deep into the poignant journey and complexities of addiction, isolation and the human condition. The choreography offers a contemporary take on ballet, blending the art form’s technical mastery with a deep emotional connection that resonates with anyone who has faced inner turmoil or struggled with finding purpose.
Tickets for Attitude start at just $47 and are on sale now at Nashvilleballet.com/attitude or by calling 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
In addition, Nashville Ballet will be hosting its final Community Conversation event in partnership with state and local addiction and mental health resource organizations to offer educational programming, provide resources and share a message of hope on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at 3421 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37215.
Abyss Production Credits:
Cinematographer and Editor: Chad Driver
Cinematographer: Randy Hale
Lighting Designer: Kelly Landry
Costume Director Mycah Kennedy
Director of Production: Melinda Dobson
Production Stage Manager: Deborah Climo
Properties Master: Eric Gamez
Master Electrician: Kim Pukay
Cutter/Draper and Shop Assistant: Aryana Gaines
Wardrobe Supervisor: Alison Taylor
Shoe Manager: Christana Alford
Patternmaker / Stitcher: Anna Yepes
Stitcher: Sarah Newman and Nawal Shirnaky
Hair/Make-up and Dresser: Lily Murray
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Nashville Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin, and other guest artists.
Nashville Ballet creates, performs, teaches, and promotes dance as an essential and inspiring element of the Nashville community. Season ticket holders' support helps to sustain Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational excellence, accessible arts education to children and adults throughout the Nashville area and beyond, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2, provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Nashville Ballet curriculum-based Community Engagement and Education Programs bring dance education to over 16,000 students in over 25 schools across 21 council districts in Middle Tennessee. School of Nashville Ballet provides exceptional dance training to students ages two and up.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders, community partners, and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.