Holiday Classic Pays Tribute to Nashville’s Rich, Vibrant History

Nashville Ballet returns with one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions, Nashville’s Nutcracker, for the eighth consecutive year December 5-23, 2015, at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Due to popular demand, this year’s production will feature a record-setting amount of performances, with a grand total of 13.

Beginning at the 1897 Centennial Exposition in Nashville, the tale weaves together the city’s historic landmarks and characters with the world’s most popular ballet to deliver a unique Nashville holiday tradition. Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling’s original concept and choreography incorporates local landmarks like the Parthenon, Shelby Bottoms and Belle Meade Mansion as Clara journeys into her holiday dream, complete with all of the magical characters you know and love.

Nashville Ballet is delivering an evening of all things sensual and forbidden with the return of the bloodsucking Dracula October 22-24, 2015, at TPAC’s Polk Theater. Last presented in 2007, this classic tale explores the conflict between carnal desire and rational thought.

Loosely based on Bram Stoker’s gothic novel, the ballet explores the root of Dracula’s torturedness. Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling’s ballet adaptation digs deeper into the character’s complexity, which begs the ultimate question: Is Dracula a man or a monster?

Peter Pan Offers Magical Experience for Adults, Children Alike

Nashville Ballet is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with a trip back to Neverland September 18-20, 2015, at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. This family-friendly production tells the classic story of a boy who doesn’t want to grow up—complete with storybook sets, enchanting costumes and on-stage flying.

Studio Division Provides Same Level of Training, More Flexible Schedule

School of Nashville Ballet is debuting a brand new Studio Division this fall, offering ages 8-18 of any experience level an opportunity to train with professional instructors on a flexible schedule. Studio Division joins School of Nashville Ballet’s diverse array of dance offerings for children, teens and adults.

For the fifth consecutive year, Nashville Ballet will host National Dance Day by offering free sample classes and choreography provided by the Fox hit reality show So You Think You Can Dance. Free classes include a children's sampler class for ages 3-5, adult beginner ballet, hip hop, adult contemporary and musical theater. Plus, great discounts on select School of Nashville Ballet classes for National Dance Day participants who register at the event.

Nashville’s Nutcracker Characters Stage Surprise Performances Across City

Nashville Ballet is cooling things off this summer with the return of its largest single ticket discount of the year, Christmas in July. Beginning Wednesday, July 1 and continuing for the entire month, take $12 off tickets to Nashville’s Nutcracker with code XMASJULY.

Nashville’s version of the timeless holiday classic returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall for 13 performances December 5-23, 2015. Almost 200 dancers will take audiences on a fantastic journey through a dreamland filled with beloved characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King, the Nutcracker, the Dancing Bear and many historic characters from Nashville’s past. Since its debut in 2008, more than 20,000 people have attended Nashville’s Nutcracker each year.

Festive Event Officially Unveils Facility’s Expansion and Renovation

Nashville Ballet will unveil its newly expanded and renovated facility to the public at its free Family Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet in the Sylvan Heights neighborhood.

The free family-friendly event will include interactive children’s activities, storytimes with Nashville Ballet dancers, free food, Peter Pan-themed arts and crafts, giveaways, face painting, balloon artists and more.

Local Collaborations include Fisk Jubilee Singers, Matthew Perryman Jones and Nashville Opera

Nashville Ballet closes its 2014-2015 performance season with the return of its cutting-edge Emergence series, an evening of emerging art featuring four original pieces from renowned local musicians and guest choreographers, May 14-16, 2015, at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet.