Nashville Ballet to Kick Off National Tour of Lucy Negro Redux in Nashville this Spring

Nashville Ballet will kick off a national tour of The New York Times acclaimed Lucy Negro Redux in Nashville this spring. Debuting to three sold-out performances in 2019, this cross-disciplinary tour de force features on-stage narration by renowned writer and poet Caroline Randall Williams, live music by GRAMMY award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, and original choreography by Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling.   

Based on the book of the same name written by award-winning poet Caroline Randall Williams, this encapsulating masterpiece chronicles the mysterious love life of William Shakespeare and his illustrious muses- the “Dark Lady” and “Fair Youth.” A bold and sultry display of one of the literary world’s most iconic figures, Lucy Negro Redux explores themes of otherness, equality, and self-worth alongside artists that have experienced it first-hand. 

“It’s an extraordinary gift to see the fruit of your imagination brought to life, in any form,” shared Williams. “Getting the book published at all was a dream. Paul Vasterling’s vision to turn it into a ballet was a bigger, wilder dream than I even knew to wish. I hope that people walk away with a new way of looking at color, at women, at bodies, at the possibility of collaborative, multi-genre art. This show is the work of so many minds meeting, [and] the fact that I get to participate in a performance that lives in all of these intersections continues to stagger me, and bring me a great deal of joy.” 

GRAMMY Award-winner and MacArthur “Genuis” Grant Recipient Rhiannon Giddens will be joining Williams and Nashville Ballet Company artists on stage to perform live, original music uniquely composed for this performance. Known for her diverse musicality and effortless range, Giddens’ score, performed with Francesco Turrisi, blends genres such as bluegrass, soul, folk, and more to tell this compelling story of self-exploration, sovereignty, and hidden desires. 

“Lucy Negro Redux is for anyone that has ever felt othered because of who they are- whether it be for their gender, skin color, or who they love,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Our hope is that audiences will walk away with new perspectives of one another that spark important conversations, challenge tradition, and most importantly, create an empathetic understanding of each other’s experiences.” 

Following the Nashville performances at TPAC March 18–26, Nashville Ballet will be taking Lucy Negro Redux on a nation-wide tour to Denver, CO., Santa Fe, NM., Kansas City, MO., and Norfolk, VA.  

Lucy Negro Redux is sponsored in part by Vanderbilt University. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.  

Lucy Negro Redux Tour Dates 

Tennessee Performing Arts Center 

Nashville, TN 

March 18–26, 2022 

The Newman Center 

Denver, CO 

March 29–30, 2022 

Lensic Performing Arts Center 

Santa Fe, NM 

April 3, 2022 

The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 

Kansas City, MO 

April 8, 2022 

Chrysler Hall 

Norfolk, VA 

April 23, 2022 

# # # 

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 ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 
 

Nashville Ballet Executive Director to Conclude Service at the end of the Season

Nashville Ballet Executive Director Lisa French has announced that she will conclude her dedicated service to the organization this summer. Following their final performance of the season at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts this June, French will be relocating to Minneapolis, Minnesota to be closer to family. Thanks to her six years of exemplary leadership, particularly through the ongoing pandemic, the non-profit will be poised to begin its 2022-23 season stronger than ever.  

“It has been such a privilege to lead this organization and work with so many talented and committed artists, Board, staff, and faculty members these past six years,” said French. “Together, we have been able to flourish and succeed in our commitment to serve our community through this beautiful artform. Nashville Ballet is truly a special place, and I am confident that it will only continue to grow from here.”  

During her time with the organization, French has helped Nashville Ballet reach and exceed several organizational and industry milestones. Over the past six years, she has increased investments in Nashville Ballet’s artistic endeavors and grown endowment funds by 88%, helping to advance the organization’s ongoing effort to create, perform, teach, and promote dance as an essential and inspiring element of their community. She has also grown their staff and artist roster, enhanced Board member engagement, advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and expanded community engagement efforts. 

Under her leadership, Nashville Ballet’s overall budget and revenue has increased by 42%. This steadfast commitment to growing the organization has allowed them to create a new Virtual Season, tour nationally to The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and The Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina, host their first-ever outdoor performance at Ascend Amphitheater, and film and release the broadcast premiere of Nashville’s Nutcracker, which recently received four Midsouth Emmy Award nominations. Over the next several months, the Company will take their original production of Lucy Negro Redux on a nation-wide tour and film the acclaimed performance. In the midst of spearheading all of these efforts, French also completed her Executive MBA from the Owen School of Business at Vanderbilt University, participated in the Racial Equity in Arts Leadership cohort, and The Equity Project. 

“There simply aren’t enough words to describe the immense impact that Lisa has had on this organization,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Her vigorous leadership, unwavering resilience, and sound guidance brought us through some of the most challenging years in our Company’s history and beyond. Her shoes will not be easily filled, but we are excited to watch her blaze a new trail and share her talents with Minneapolis.” 

Vasterling will work with a search committee comprised of hiring professionals, Nashville Ballet Board President Laura Currie, President-Elect Susan Short Jones, and other Board members to lead the search for Nashville Ballet’s next Executive Director. They have hired the acclaimed firm, Management Consultants for the Arts, to assist them in the nation-wide hiring process.  

“Thanks to Lisa’s leadership, Nashville Ballet is in a tremendously strong place,” said Nashville Ballet Board President Laura Currie. “She has set us up for success and assembled a thoughtful, hardworking team who we know will carry on our mission as we search for and onboard a new Executive Director.” 

To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. To learn more about Management Consultants for the Arts, please visit mcaonline.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 ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 

# # # 
 

ALLISON RUSSELL AND CAROLINE RANDALL WILLIAMS TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AT BALLET BALL 2022

Nashville Ballet’s annual fundraising gala is set to make its grand return to Schermerhorn Symphony Center this March. A highly-anticipated event, this year’s Ballet Ball will feature live music by GRAMMY-nominated artist Allison Russell, performances by Nashville Ballet Company dancers, and will honor award-winning writer and long-standing artistic collaborator Caroline Randall Williams.  

Williams will be receiving the Synergy Award, which recognizes individuals who have successfully demonstrated the importance of creative partnerships between music, art, and dance that Nashville Ballet so strongly believes in and executes on stage. Recognizable by her original book that inspired Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s ballet of the same name, Lucy Negro Redux, Williams has redefined the connection between spoken word and movement through her collaborations with Nashville Ballet. Beyond her trailblazing career as a writer, poet, and activist, she has also performed live on stage alongside Company dancers in Vasterling’s Lucy Negro Redux and Jennifer Archibald’s Posters.  

Joining the Ballet Ball stage will be three-time GRAMMY-award nominee Allison Russell, who has, over the past year, begun her own artistic partnership with Nashville Ballet. Known for her eclectic style and passionate sound, Russell recently starred in Nashville Ballet’s free virtual season with live, original music for Kevin Thomas’ Eve Was Black. Russell will be using her skills as a multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter to work alongside Artistic Director Paul Vasterling to create brand-new, original music for this year’s live Ballet Ball performance.  

“Allison and Caroline are the embodiment of what we want to celebrate at this year’s event; they are strength, excellence, creativity, resiliency,” shared Vasterling. “Just like the golden age of dance that inspired this year’s event, these two are reinventing how we experience art. We are honored not only to share the stage with them, but to work alongside them to continue to push the boundaries of ballet as a voice of expression and outlet for storytelling.”  

Following the theme of mid-century elegance, the evening will also include a curated selection of pieces from award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. This chic and alluring performance is set to some of Frank Sinatra’s most iconic hits, such as “That’s Life,” “Strangers in the Night,” and “My Way.”   

Chaired by Joanne Sowell and Brooke Trusley, Ballet Ball 2022 will take place at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, March 12 to raise mission-critical funds for Nashville Ballet’s Community Engagement Initiative. Inspired by the golden age of dance in America, renowned luxury event planner Bruce Pittman will be returning to bring the theme of mid-century elegance to life throughout the Schermerhorn. Dinner will be served by premier caterer Kristen Winston, and cocktails and assorted beverages will be provided by Lipman Brothers, LLC. 

Tickets for Ballet Ball are by invitation only, but the general public is invited to purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball Late Party, which features a cocktail hour, live music by Bizz & Everyday People, and a seat for the gala performance. For more information on Ballet Ball, or to purchase Late Party tickets, 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. Thanks to Ballet Ball funding, 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 ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs. 

About Caroline Randall Williams 

Caroline Randall Williams is a multi-genre writer, educator, and performance artist in Nashville Tennessee, where she is a writer-in-residence at Vanderbilt University. She is a co-author of the NAACP Image Award-winning cookbook Soul Food Love. Her debut collection of poetry, Lucy Negro, Redux, was turned into a ballet in 2019 by Nashville Ballet's Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. Williams performed her poetry as an integral member of the cast, all set to an original score by multi-GRAMMY nominee Rhiannon Giddens. Named by Southern Living as “One of the 50 People Changing the South,” the Cave Canem fellow has been published and featured in multiple journals, essay collections, and news outlets, including The Iowa Review, The Massachusetts Review, CherryBombe, Garden and Gun, Essence, and The New York Times. Most recently, she was ranked by The Root as one of the 100 most influential African Americans of 2020.  

About Allison Russell 

Allison Russell is an artist, activist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist of extraordinary power, talent, and grace. A founding member of the acclaimed groups Our Native Daughters (with Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Amythyst Kiah), and Birds of Chicago (with her husband/musical partner JT Nero), the Montreal native has begun to emerge as a potent force among creative circles worldwide. On her debut solo album, Outside Child (Fantasy Records, May 2021), Russell unpacks the story of her traumatic childhood in a deeply moving, unforgettable song-cycle of courage, empathy, and love. Outside Child is a powerful and warm statement of hope, resilience, and the redemptive power of art– asserted from a place of healing, of motherhood, of partnership– and from a new home made in Nashville. Russell was named Emerging Act of the Year (Americana Music Association US), International Artist of the Year (AMA UK), and one of the top artists to watch in 2021 by Rolling Stone. Outside Child was recently placed on the long-list for the prestigious Polaris Prize, was nominated for four Canadian Folk Music Awards, and appeared on a number of “Best of 2021” lists. 
 

Nashville Ballet to Transition all Dancers to Flesh-Tone Tights

As part of their ongoing mission to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, Nashville Ballet is excited to announce that they will be transitioning each of their artists into dancer-specific flesh-tone tights and shoes. Though Nashville Ballet Company members of color have worn these tights in their studios and stages for over a decade and blazed the trail for this transition, this will be the first year where every dancer will perform in a set identical to their skin tone.  

Since the 19th century, pink tights and shoes have been considered a dancewear standard for ballet dancers of all races and ethnicities. Historically, the purpose of utilizing pink tights was to mute the muscle definition of a dancer’s leg whilst making the skin of the dancer appear to be more fair and paler than the dancer’s natural skin tone. This tradition, rooted in European-centric beauty standards, is not reflective of Nashville Ballet’s mission to create an inclusive dance community in which all can engage and thrive.   

It was not until the early 1970s that this began to change, when the Dance Theater of Harlem, under the direction of Mr. Arthur Mitchell, debuted custom-made flesh tone tights and shoes. Since then, the dedication and advocacy of dancers of color across various dance disciplines has paved the way for companies like Nashville Ballet to make the same transition. As the ballet world continues to diversify and move further away from ideas and concepts of white centrality, it is necessary that even ballet’s most long-standing traditions be evaluated through the lens of the times in which we currently live. 

 “At its core, dance is a means of expression- a tool to share who we really are,” said Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “When we fully embrace that, we not only showcase the individuality of our dancers, but we also give audiences the chance to find themselves in the art. For too long, only certain people could relate to what they were seeing on stage, and that’s not what we strive for; it’s not who we want to be. While we are excited to implement this change in its entirety, we also recognize that it is only a small step towards true progress, so we will continue to listen, uplift, and strive to do better, because we all have a role to play in this movement, and Nashville Ballet is no exception.”  

Nashville Ballet is committed to creating a climate of respect that is supportive of all voices, celebrating diverse stories, increasing arts access, and sparking important discussions about their own community and beyond through their art form and artistic programming. With the support of their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff leads and community partners such as Crossroads Antiracism, MoBBallet, All Access Inclusion Network, Moves and Grooves, and others, they hope to continue to take steps towards creating a truly inclusive, safe space for individuals and communities of all races, genders, ages, socioeconomic status’, disability status, geographic locations, and sexual orientations. 

Learn more about Nashville Ballet’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, the history of pink tights in ballet, and the experiences of artists of color at 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 ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 
 

Nashville Ballet to Present Unique Production of Attitude this February

Nashville Ballet is kicking off the New Year with the return of their popular Attitude series. Known for its game changing choreographers and uniquely Music City collaborations, this season’s production offers patrons a one-of-a-kind immersive dance experience. Staged on site at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet February 11–20, the vibrant line-up includes Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Val Caniparoli’s Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino (everything but the kitchen sink), and the debut of Company Dancer Mollie Sansone’s Fortitudine. 

“To celebrate the highly anticipated return of live performances, we wanted to take this year’s Attitude production up a notch,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Staging these pieces right in our studio will allow each guest to experience these stunning pieces up-close. Following the performance, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an intimate discussion with dancers, stagers, and Nashville Ballet Artistic Staff to learn more about the unique elements of each work and the overarching role they play in the world of dance. Every person will leave having experienced the production in a uniquely personal way, and that’s what we are most excited about.” 

Full of “flair and sophistication” (The New York Times), Nine Sinatra Songs is one of modern master Twyla Tharp’s most famous works. Featuring a wide variety of dance styles, including classic ballroom, tango, and cha-cha, this vivaciously dazzling piece is set to nine of Frank Sinatra’s most iconic hits, such as “That’s Life,” “Strangers In The Night,” “My Way,” and more.  

Joining this crowd-favorite on stage will be internationally-renowned choreographer Val Caniparoli’s effervescent Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino (everything but the kitchen sink), and Nashville Ballet Company Dancer Mollie Sansone’s newest work, Fortitudine, featuring original music composed by Larissa Maestro performed live by Lockeland Strings. A community arts organization known for their compelling collaborations, Lockeland Strings partners local artists with a string quintet to present new contemporary works. Their extensive repertoire includes performances with powerhouses such as Kacey Musgraves, Fancy, Lucie Silvas, Lera Lynn, and more.  

Following each in-studio performance, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion with the artists and creatives behind the works and learn more about the performance.  

Limited tickets for Nashville Ballet’s Attitude are on sale now and can be purchased at 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 ages 2 and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 

Nashville’s Nutcracker to return to TPAC this Holiday Season

Following 19 months of virtual and outdoor performances, Nashville Ballet is set to make their highly anticipated return to the theater this December with Nashville’s Nutcracker. Running at TPAC December 15–24, this will be the Company’s first live, indoor performance since February of 2020.

“As a dancer, there is no greater feeling than performing for a live audience,” shared Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “The connection you experience with them while you’re on-stage, in a theater, is impalpable, and it’s something our artists have missed dearly. Over the past 19 months, our dancers, faculty, and staff have worked tirelessly preparing for this moment, and I know I speak for all of us when I say we could not be more ready or excited to see you back at the theater and to celebrate this momentous occasion together this holiday season.” Presented by the Tennessee Titans, Nashville’s Nutcracker celebrates the unique history and cultural innovation of Music City. Beginning at the 1897 Centennial Exposition, this magical holiday delight takes audiences on an unforgettable journey to the land of sweets and sugar plum fairies with Clara, her Uncle Drosselmeyer, and the beloved Nutcracker. The performance will feature Nashville Ballet Company dancers, as well as NB2 artists, a youth cast of School of Nashville Ballet students, and live music performed by the Nashville Symphony.

To celebrate this triumphant return to the theater, Nashville Ballet has made Nashville’s Nutcracker a complete family-night-out experience, featuring a commemorative photo booth, meet and greets with characters from the production, and pre-performance story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists.

In addition to the live production, audiences will have a special opportunity to go behind the scenes of this holiday classic in a free, virtual Inside the Ballet event. Participants will get a sneak peek into rehearsals for Nashville’s Nutcracker while learning more about the diverse cultures represented in the production directly from representatives from the Baila Program at the Hispanic Family Foundation and the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville. Tickets for Nashville Nutcracker are on sale now and can be purchased here. 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.

###