ABOUT PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS
Nashville Ballet’s curriculum-based educational initiative brings innovative dance programming to Pre-K and Kindergarten students across Middle Tennessee. Working to achieve our mission to develop and cultivate audiences with a lifelong appreciation for the essential and inspiring art of dance, we offer a variety of educational programming that uniquely integrates arts education with core academic subjects including language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Utilizing standards-based dance education workbooks, interactive teacher resources, movement exercises, and activities taught by our professional teaching artists, we assist educators in helping students of all ages strengthen their academic performance while increasing their awareness, knowledge, and utilization of dance and the arts.
Story Time offers an interactive learning adventure designed to introduce the art form of ballet. Participants will listen and dance along as Nashville Ballet Teaching Artists tell beloved ballet stories. All storytimes, with the exception of Singing Tortoise, are recommended for ages 3 – 7 years old.
Nashville Ballet Story Times to choose from:
Little Cloud
Educator’s guide Available
This program introduces students to the joy and boundless possibilities of movement. Guided by a Teaching Artist, students will learn how to create shapes and carve out space with their bodies. Storytime is inspired by the book “ Little Cloud” by Eric Carle.
Honk! The Story of a Prima Swanerina
Educator’s guide available
Based on the lighthearted children’s book of the same name by Pamela Duncan Edwards, this interactive story engages all ages with a humorous tale about a ballet-smitten swan who has an unexpected moment to shine onstage with a group of prima ballerinas who, in Mimi’s mind, are simply pretending to be her!
Nashville's Nutcracker
educator’s guide available
Nashville's own version of this timeless holiday classic tells the tale of Clara, a young girl who travels on a fantastic journey with the help of her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. This special holiday tradition introduces young audiences to Nashville Ballet's unique version of the traditional story by taking them on a short trip through the Land of the Sweets.
Singing Tortoise | Recommended for 3rd – 5th grade
Travel to the continent of Africa with a Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist and learn the importance of keeping your word in this classic African folktale.
Sleeping Beauty
educator’s guide COMING SOON
Join the Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist as they tell the tale of an evil fairy’s curse on a beautiful young princess doomed to sleep until love’s kiss breaks the spell. Children will dance their way through this classic tale and learn how the ballet has become a timeless cherished tale through its beautiful music and movement.