Nashville Ballet

For over three decades, Nashville Ballet has been a cornerstone of Tennessee's vibrant arts scene, serving as the largest professional ballet company in the state. More than just a performing arts organization, Nashville Ballet is dedicated to creating, teaching, and promoting dance as an essential and inspiring element of our community. Based in Nashville, this esteemed institution offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from captivating mainstage performances of classical and contemporary works to comprehensive dance education programs for all ages and skill levels. It's a place where world-class artistry meets deep community engagement, enriching the lives of countless Tennesseans.

Founded in 1986, Nashville Ballet has grown to become a nationally recognized company, renowned for its diverse repertoire and the exceptional talent of its professional dancers, many of whom hail from around the globe. Under the artistic direction of Paul Vasterling (who was appointed Artistic Director in 1998, after serving as rehearsal director), the company presents five to seven mainstage productions each year, ranging from beloved classics like "Nashville's Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" to innovative new works that push the boundaries of the art form. These performances are often accompanied by live music, frequently featuring the acclaimed Nashville Symphony, adding another layer of artistic excellence to the experience.

Beyond the stage, the School of Nashville Ballet provides exemplary dance instruction for individuals from two to over seventy years old. With a curriculum focused on development, inclusivity, and excellence, the school aims to instill a love for movement and the fundamental foundations of classical ballet. The Nashville Ballet also extends its reach far into the community through extensive educational initiatives, bringing the artistry, beauty, and athleticism of dance to tens of thousands of individuals each year through visits to schools, libraries, parks, and community centers. This holistic approach underscores their mission to make dance an accessible and inspiring part of everyone's life here in Tennessee.

Nashville Ballet is strategically situated at 3630 Redmon St, Nashville, TN 37209, USA. This location places their administrative offices, rehearsal studios, and the School of Nashville Ballet facilities in the vibrant and easily accessible Sylvan Park area. For local residents throughout Nashville and the wider Middle Tennessee region, this offers a convenient central point for dance education and engagement with the company.

While the primary school and administrative functions are at the Redmon Street address, Nashville Ballet's mainstage performances are predominantly held at the prestigious Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) in downtown Nashville. This dual location strategy ensures that their educational and training facilities are in a dedicated space, while providing professional performances in a world-class venue that is a major cultural landmark in the state. TPAC's downtown location is highly accessible via various routes, including major interstates and city thoroughfares, making it convenient for audiences traveling from all corners of Tennessee. Parking options, including garages, are available around TPAC for performance attendees.

The Redmon Street location for the School of Nashville Ballet offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience for parents dropping off or picking up students for classes. The neighborhood is well-established and easily navigable, contributing to a smooth experience for those visiting the school. The combination of a dedicated, accessible school facility and performances at a prominent downtown venue ensures that Nashville Ballet effectively serves both its aspiring dancers and its appreciative audiences across Tennessee.

Services Offered:

• Professional ballet performances (5-7 mainstage productions annually) at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).
• A diverse repertoire including classical ballets (e.g., "Nashville's Nutcracker," "Swan Lake") and contemporary works.
• Collaborations with the Nashville Symphony and various local musicians for live musical accompaniment during performances.
• School of Nashville Ballet offering dance education for ages 2 to 70.
• Children's Division classes focusing on early childhood development and love for movement.
• Academy Division for serious students pursuing higher levels of ballet training.
• Community Division Youth and Adult Classes for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced.
• Classes in various styles including ballet, contemporary, and fitness-oriented dance.
• Summer camps and intensives for immersive dance training.
• Community Engagement Program providing free or low-cost dance experiences to over 50,000 individuals annually.
• Outreach programs to schools, libraries, parks, and community centers across Middle Tennessee.
• "Storytime" events at local libraries featuring ballet-themed narratives and interactive movement.
• Youth cast audition opportunities for productions like "Nashville's Nutcracker."
• Rehearsal viewing opportunities for students and community groups.
• Accessibility initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in ballet.

Features / Highlights:

• Professional Company Excellence: Nashville Ballet is Tennessee's largest professional ballet company, featuring a diverse cast of highly skilled dancers from around the world. Their performances are renowned for their artistic quality, athletic prowess, and captivating storytelling, offering a world-class ballet experience right here in Tennessee.
• Diverse Repertoire: The company presents a rich mix of classical and contemporary ballets, including iconic works by choreographers like George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián, as well as original creations by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. This varied programming caters to a wide range of artistic tastes.
• Live Musical Accompaniment: A significant highlight is the commitment to live music, with the Nashville Symphony often accompanying classical productions. Collaborations with diverse Nashville-based musicians and singer-songwriters for contemporary works further enhance the unique artistic experience.
• Comprehensive Dance Education (School of Nashville Ballet): The school offers a highly regarded curriculum for all ages (2-70), from introductory classes for young children to intensive training for aspiring professionals. Their focus on fundamental classical ballet, combined with nurturing instruction, helps students develop poise, discipline, and artistic expression.
• Extensive Community Engagement: Nashville Ballet actively gives back to the community through its impactful Community Engagement Program. This initiative brings dance education and performances to over 50,000 individuals annually across Middle Tennessee, fostering appreciation for the arts in diverse settings, including schools and libraries.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, a customized 44,000-square-foot facility on Redmon Street, serves as a modern home for rehearsals, administrative offices, and the School of Nashville Ballet, providing an optimal environment for dance training and creation.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Nashville Ballet is deeply invested in creating an accessible and inclusive community. Their DEI statement emphasizes celebrating diverse stories, increasing arts access, and actively working to address racial inequalities in ballet, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
• Performance Opportunities: Students of the School of Nashville Ballet have opportunities to perform in showcases and, for younger dancers, audition for youth roles in professional productions like "Nashville's Nutcracker," providing invaluable stage experience.
• Accessible Pricing and Options for Community Classes: For adult community classes, Nashville Ballet offers flexible pricing, including a $5 first-class offer and various class packs, making it easier for locals to try and continue their dance journey.

Contact Information:

Address: 3630 Redmon St, Nashville, TN 37209, USA

Phone: (615) 297-2966

For anyone in Tennessee seeking to engage with world-class performing arts or to embark on their own dance journey, the Nashville Ballet stands as an indispensable local treasure. Its dual role as both a leading professional ballet company and a comprehensive dance education institution makes it uniquely suitable for our community. Whether you're drawn to the sheer spectacle of a mainstage performance at TPAC, where the magic of live orchestral music meets breathtaking choreography, or you're a parent looking for a nurturing environment where your child can discover the joy of movement, Nashville Ballet offers an unparalleled experience.

The commitment to excellence, coupled with extensive community outreach programs that bring dance directly to schools and libraries across Middle Tennessee, ensures that the transformative power of ballet is accessible to all. While concerns about classroom transparency for young children have been noted by some, the overall feedback points to a highly professional organization dedicated to artistry and nurturing talent. The opportunities for youth to audition for professional productions like "Nashville's Nutcracker" provide an inspiring goal for aspiring dancers right here in our state. Nashville Ballet is not just performing dance; it is cultivating a love for the arts, building strong individuals, and enriching the cultural landscape of Tennessee for generations to come.

Nashville Ballet

3630 Redmon St, Nashville, TN 37209, USA