Professional Division
The Professional Division (PD) is a comprehensive program for pre-professional dancers, designed to further develop technique, strength, and artistry in a rigorous environment. Dancers selected for this program are chosen for their talent and potential to pursue a career in professional dance. Our goal is to help these dancers grow as artists and to assist them in the transition to professional dance careers with Nashville Ballet, NB2 (Nashville Ballet’s official second company), or other professional dance companies.
PD dancers train from approximately 9-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday which mimics the Company and Second Company’s schedule. This allows Nashville Ballet artistic staff to teach PD classes as their schedules allow.
Contents
Why choose Nashville Ballet’s Professional Division?
A pathway to success
Nashville Ballet gives PD students priority consideration for open NB2 and Trainee positions in our official second company, as part of our objective to promote from within. Students also pursue careers at other prestigious companies such as Texas Ballet Theater, ABT Studio Company, Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Cleveland Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, Ballet Nebraska, California Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Idaho, Cincinnati Ballet, Louisville Ballet, along with many more! Students have also gone on to attend college programs including Butler University, Pointe Park University, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.Access to a professional company staging new and notable repertory
Being a part of a large ballet organization with a professional company, guest choreographers, and artistic staff offers daily inspiration and unique opportunities. As company dancers prepare to perform new commissions from emerging choreographers and renowned masterworks from the likes of George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián, PD students see the breadth of the creative process and art form.Access to staff
Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director Nick Mullikin leads an outstanding faculty whose expert knowledge gives you the tools to advance your technique and reach your goals. Our faculty focuses on individual corrections based on each dancer’s abilities and career aspirations.A remarkable facility
Recently renovated in 2015, The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet is a world-class dance facility, customized to fit the needs of our professional artists, students, and administrative offices. Students train in seven first-rate studios with Harlequin sprung flooring, live piano accompaniment in daily technique classes, and have access to on-site Pilates equipment.Performance opportunities
PD dancers have several performance opportunities throughout the season including showcases at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet at the end of the fall and spring semesters and main stage performances alongside the professional company in Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC.Education outside of the studio
Recognizing that education is an important part of each student's development, Nashville Ballet has a unique partnership with Belmont University that allows dancers to apply their dance experience in PD toward a bachelor’s degree. Click here for more information. For high school students, we are partnered with Laurel Springs School, a fully accredited, private online school for students K-12. Click here for more information.Comprehensive curriculum
The curriculum includes technique, pointe, variations, partnering, and contemporary. Students receive supplemental training on a rotational basis in other disciplines such as floor barre, conditioning, cardio, yoga, and Nashville Ballet repertory. They also receive education in resumé writing, media training, audition tips, nutrition, video observation, and other topics relevant to dance professionals.
Auditions
We offer in-person and video auditions. Click the button below to see our most up-to-date audition information.
Additional Notes:
Dancers who audition by video may be asked to visit Nashville for the artistic staff to evaluate them in person. If asked to travel to Nashville or an open-call audition, the audition fee will be waived. Nashville Ballet will endeavor to notify all auditionees of results within two weeks by email or mail.
2024-2025 Daily Schedule:
*Subject to change
Monday
9:00-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday:
9:00-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday:
9:00-4:30 p.m.
Thursday:
9:00-4:30 p.m.
Friday:
9:00-4:30 p.m.
*Dancers typically have Saturdays off but are welcome to come to any Academy classes on Saturdays if they choose.
Fall Showcase
Studio A at the martin center for Nashville ballet
Fall Showcase features the young artists of Nashville Ballet’s Professional Division, NB2, and Trainees. These future professionals will go on to join the ranks of companies like Nashville Ballet; in fact, over 60% of our current company is made up of artists who were once in NB2. This showcase is your chance to see the promise and talent of Nashville Ballet’s students, trainees, and second-company members!
While tickets to these performances are free, suggested donations of $10 per ticket support our School of Nashville Ballet scholarship programs which make it possible for young artists to pursue their dreams. We currently provide 27 students with full-tuition, need-based scholarships, as well as an additional 50 men who are given the opportunity to study dance tuition-free through the Young Men's Scholarship Program.
Education Outside of the Studio
Photo by Karyn Photography
Laurel Springs School (K-12)
School of Nashville Ballet is excited to announce our partnership with Laurel Springs School, a fully accredited, private online school for students K-12. Founded in 1991, Laurel Springs School offers challenging and flexible programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. With college prep academics, they have a 91% college acceptance rate. Laurel Springs School graduates enter the most selective colleges and universities of their choice in the U.S. and throughout the world. Click here to view a sample of Laurel Springs School college acceptance list.
Online schools such as Laurel Springs School offer pre-professional dancers who are still in high school the flexibility they need to achieve academic success without sacrificing hours spent training for a career in dance. We have chosen to partner with Laurel Springs School because they allow students and their families to set their own graduation goal, and will work with you to ensure you meet each deadline while being mindful of your requirements as an aspiring professional dancer. To learn more about Laurel Springs School, visit their website or contact us at school@nashvilleballet.com. Brochures and additional information is available upon request.
To enroll in Laurel Springs School, please contact Bridgette Rutkowski at Laurel Springs School directly at brutkowski@laurelsprings.com. Make sure to mention that you are a student at School of Nashville Ballet!
Belmont University
Recognizing that education is an important part of each student's development, Nashville Ballet has a unique partnership with Belmont University that allows dancers to apply their dance experience toward earning a bachelor’s degree while dancing in Nashville Ballet's Professional Division. Dancers can pursue a degree through part-time enrollment and flexible class schedules. Click here for more information.
Admission & Tuition
Admission to the Professional Division is by audition only. Auditions are available through our Audition Tour or by video. Students may be accepted directly into the Professional Division at the audition or after attendance at our Winter or Summer Intensive. Tuition ranges from $7,000 - $9,000 annually depending on if a student has attended the Summer Intensive. Limited merit-based scholarships are available and distributed in conjunction with acceptance.
Photo by Lydia McRae
FAQ
On average, how many students are in the Professional Division? Depending on the year, there can be anywhere between 25-30 dancers.
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Are payment plans available?
Payment plans are available. Contact Lara Kennedy,School Operations Manager, at (615) 297-2966 x203 or by email at school@nashvilleballet.com. Final payments for the year are due by April 2024. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged to payment cards provided by April 2024.
I am not local to Nashville. Where do out-of-town PD dancers live?
PD dancers who move to Nashville seek out their own living arrangements around the city. Anna Pepper works with us as a resource for dancers transitioning in to pre-professional or professional life. Among other services, she offers connections to local realtors who help dancers and their families find affordable housing. Dancers often find roommates when participating in our Summer Intensive. If you did not participate in Summer Intensive and do not know anyone in Nashville, we have a Facebook group for posting/seeking roommates and housing for incoming PD and Trainee/NB2 dancers.
I have not graduated high school yet. What are my options?
School of Nashville Ballet has partnered with Laurel Springs School, a private online, accredited school for students K-12. An online school such as Laurel Springs School allows dancers who are still in high school the flexibility they need to achieve academic success without sacrificing hours spent training for a career in dance. We have chosen to partner with Laurel Springs School because they allow students and their families to set their own graduation goal, and will work with you to ensure you meet each deadline while being mindful of your requirements as an aspiring professional dancer. Additionally, they have a 91% college acceptance rate, ensuring that your academic future is in good hands. To learn more about Laurel Springs School, visit their website or call (484) 947-2074. Make sure you mention you are a student at School of Nashville Ballet. Alternatively, some universities offer online high school programs, such as Brigham Young University and University of Nebraska. Metro Nashville Public Schools is another good resource for online curriculum. If you are unsure, we also encourage students to talk to their current high schools about options such as finishing your degree early, remotely or with other online schools.
How quickly do dancers progress through the levels?
Dancers progress at their own rate. The goal is to advance through two years of PD, to Trainee, to NB2, to apprentice and finally to the company. Promotions occur within the limitations of space and budget.
Is it possible to advance at any point during the year?
Yes, within the limitations outlined above.
What involvement does Mr. Mullikin have with the PD students?
Mr. Mullikin takes an active interest in ensuring that the school is doing its job to train dancers for work as professionals. He considers it a priority for the entire organization, and part of its mission.
Do all PD students dance in Nashville’s Nutcracker?
We have the expectation, all PD students will participate in Nashville’s Nutcracker. Additionally, some roles do require a dancer to be selected by the artistic staff.
What additional repertoire can PD dancers expect to perform in?
PD dancers have their own rep that they perform in the fall and the spring. It will include company work that is already in our rep, full-length classical work plus original contemporary and classical works created specifically for the PD program.
What do students do in the case of injury?
Is there a resident physical therapist at Nashville Ballet?There is not a resident PT at Nashville Ballet. However, we work very closely with Susan Underwood Physical Therapy. They also provide support to the PD students in lecture and information sessions, educating them on what is going on with their bodie
What about orthopedists or other doctors/hospitals?We work closely with massage therapists, chiropractors and sports doctors in the area. Information is available upon request at the front desk or by emailing school@nashvilleballet.com.
When recovering from an injury, are students allowed to observe and participate in the non-dance aspects of the program?Students are encouraged to watch and participate in non-dance aspects as they are able.
Are there opportunities for part-time employment with Nashville Ballet, such as teaching or administrative work?
Yes, depending upon a student’s work experience, job availability and the discretion of the Director. For available positions, visit nashvilleballet.com/careers. For questions regarding employment for PD students at the ballet, email school@nashvilleballet.com or call (615) 297-2966 x910.
What arrangements are made for re-entry or refund if there is unforeseen illness, significant injury or other extenuating circumstances requiring a leave of absence?
Dancers are given the time necessary to complete their recovery program until they are able to dance again. Refunds due to injury are considered on a case-by-case basis, with mitigating and aggravating factors taken into consideration, such as the cause and severity of the injury.
If you have any additional questions, please email school@nashvilleballet.com or call (615) 297-2966.
Enrollment and Tuition Policy
School of Nashville Ballet reserves the right to cancel classes due to lack of enrollment. Canceled classes will be prorated and refunded.
Enrollment is for the entire semester. There is no proration for scheduling conflicts. Classes are not transferable to other students.
In the case of serious injury or illness, refunds may be considered on an individual basis, are not guaranteed and may be subject to a 25% administration fee. Voluntary or involuntary withdrawals and missed classes are not considered eligible for refunds.