Nashville Ballet and the Tennessee Titans will be partnering to present a televised performance of Nashville’s Nutcracker on NewsChannel 5. The full-length, televised performance will replace the previously scheduled in-theater production at TPAC’s Jackson Hall out of an abundance of caution amid COVID-19.
The senseless murder of George Floyd highlights the systemic racism and continued disrespect for black lives that permeates our society. The ballet world is not immune to this racism and prejudice, and silence on this issue will no longer be tolerated.
Nashville Ballet’s popular contemporary collaboration with singer-songwriter collective Ten Out of Tenn returns to TPAC’s Polk Theater October 18-20, 2018 to usher in the Halloween season. An original score is played live while the ballet’s company artists perform a captivating narrative alongside them.
An instant hit after premiering in 2017, Nashville Ballet Resident Choreographer Christopher Stuart’s beguiling production returns to take viewers on a chilling journey through purgatory.
Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling has announced the 2018-2019 season roster. In his 20th season as artistic director, Vasterling adds five newcomers, promotes four from within and welcomes the return of one School of Nashville Ballet alum. Nashville Ballet’s company currently includes 24 artists, 60 percent of which are alumni of NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company. Nashville Ballet’s company and NB2 dancers are selected from a rigorous nationwide audition process from a pool of over 500 qualified applicants.
Groundbreaking repertory celebrates the past, looks to the future
Nashville Ballet celebrates Paul Vasterling’s 20th anniversary as Artistic Director with a groundbreaking 2018-2019 performance season. Touting musical collaborations that embrace the multitude of talents in Music City, the upcoming season ushers in a new era of artistry in Middle Tennessee. With fresh takes on fan favorites and the world premiere of Vasterling’s Lucy Negro Redux, the 2018-2019 season promises to deliver.
“As I enter into my 20th year as Artistic Director, I am in awe of the growth of our company and artists,” Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling said. “This season is truly revolutionary in subject matter and artistry; my hope is that we’ll challenge both dancers and audiences in a way that affords progress and growth. With such a spectacular repertory, our goal is to take what’s next and turn it into what’s now.”
Annual Gala Celebrates the Legacy of Johnny Cash
Ballet goes country (and a little rock and roll) when Nashville Ballet’s annual fundraising gala Ballet Ball pays homage to Johnny Cash through a collaboration with his son John Carter Cash and guest appearances by several internationally recognized artists at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on March 3.
The event, which raises funds to present educational dance programming to over 30,000 underserved youth and families throughout Middle Tennessee each year, will feature a set list of songs written or popularized by Johnny Cash curated by John Carter Cash and performed by some of Cash’s dear friends and/or favorite artists.
Nashville Ballet will premiere Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project this February, an internationally acclaimed contemporary ballet that journeys through one of history’s darkest hours to ultimately shine a spotlight on the triumph of the human spirit. Presented as part of Nashville Ballet’s annual Attitude series, Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project comes to Music City from Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills February 9-11, 2018, at TPAC’s Polk Theater.
Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project unfolds as Naomi Warren, a real-life Holocaust survivor, reflects on her life. Following one person’s journey through the catastrophic events of the Holocaust, the work aims to spread a message of resiliency, courage and, most importantly, hope. Created and choreographed by Mills, Light has traveled to cities all over the world since its premiere in Austin, Texas, in 2005. The ballet is set to a contemporary score by renowned composers Philip Glass, Evelyn Glennie, Michael Gordon, Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich.
Holiday Favorite Will Debut New Elements, Including Snow in the Audience
Nashville Ballet is celebrating 10 years of Nashville’s Nutcracker December 2-23, 2017, at TPAC’s Jackson Hall with all-new magical elements to mark the occasion. Since its world premiere in 2008, Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling’s original spin on the classic has cemented its place as one of Music City’s most beloved holiday traditions.
Nashville Ballet premiered The Nutcracker in 1989, but the production was reinvented as Nashville’s Nutcracker in 2008 with a unique concept incorporating Nashville’s vibrant past along with new choreography, sets, costumes and on-stage magic tricks. Now entering its 10th year, Nashville’s Nutcracker will debut additional elements to celebrate the milestone.
