NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Ballet is opening its doors to the community with a free, family-friendly Open House on Saturday, September 20, from 11 p.m. – 2 p.m. Guests of all ages are invited to step behind the curtain and experience the artistry, athleticism, and magic that make Nashville Ballet one of the city’s cultural treasures.
The Open House welcomes guests to explore the world of ballet through interactive activities, behind-the-scenes tours and complimentary performances. Visitors will enjoy exclusive preview showcases from the upcoming Ruby Season repertoire, Q&A sessions with the artistic team and photo opportunities with Nashville Ballet dancers in costume in the lobby.
The Open House also coincides with National Dance Day, offering the community a chance to come together and celebrate 40 years of Nashville Ballet’s commitment to free arts programs. It’s a day to share in the joy of dance and experience it in a way that only happens when we gather as a community. To further enhance accessibility, Nashville Ballet will also offer a 50% discount on adult class passes during the event.
A highlight of the day will be a special presentation at 12 p.m. by Artistic Director & CEO Nick Mullikin, as he gives a sneak peek into their dazzling Ruby Season, celebrating 40 years, from timeless favorites like Nashville’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake to bold new works that mix classical beauty, contemporary edge and even a little rock ’n’ roll.
Audiences will also hear about season highlights that include Travis Bradley’s If I Can Dream, Balanchine’s sparkling Rubies, Kylián’s haunting Un Ballo and the thrilling finale Sherlock – the electrifying centerpiece of Nashville Ballet’s acclaimed Attitude series – along with two compelling contemporary works: Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors and Maria Konrad’s DEA.
If I Can Dream, Nashville’s Nutcracker Swan Lake will feature live music by a Grammy Award-winning orchestra – The Nashville Symphony at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).
The Open House will be held at Nashville Ballet’s Martin Center for Nashville Ballet (3630 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN 37209). Admission is FREE and no registration is required. Families are encouraged to come and go throughout the day.
Staff from Nashville Ballet's School, Shop and Box Office will be on hand to answer any questions guests may have and help with season or upcoming performance ticket orders, school/class enrollment and the purchase of Nashville Ballet merchandise.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Blood Assurance Blood Drive
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (bus outside Martin Center) - Individuals interested in donating should sign up HERE.
Shop Merchandise Clearance Sale (Multipurpose Room)
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Behind-The Scenes Tour of Nashville Ballet
11:15 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1:15 p.m.
Leaving from the lobby, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, a customized 44,000 square-foot facility that serves as home for the ballet’s professional dancers, school students and administrative offices. Guests will see where the spectacular costumes and sets are made and stored.
Studio A
12 p.m. Season Presentation by Artistic Director & CEO, Nick Mullikin
12:15 - 12:45 p.m. Observe a Company rehearsal featuring excerpts from If I Can Dream, Rubies, Sherlock, White Swan Pas and NB2. Schedule and features are subject to change.
Studio C - Swan Lake Story Time
11:15 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1:15 p.m.
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 ballet has become a timeless cherished tale through its beautiful music and movement
Studio D – Inside the Ballet Podcast Recording with LIVE audience
Go Inside the Ballet with artists, creatives and cultural experts in this podcast series from Nashville Ballet. Whether you’re looking to increase your dance IQ, gain an understanding of social and cultural themes surrounding a work, or simply want to learn more about how a ballet is brought to the stage. Recording will be on-going throughout the day with different guests.
Studio E – Arts & Crafts for Kids (On-going)
Allow your child’s creativity and imagination to run wild with a stop in Studio E for arts and crafts anytime throughout the Open House.
Studio F Class Schedule
11 a.m. Adult Ballet (Instructor: Eric Harris)
12:15 p.m. Jazz / Contemporary / Musical Theatre Fusion - All Ages
(Instructor: Shabaz Ujima)
1 p.m. DanceFix with National Dance Day Choreography - All Ages
(Instructors: Rachel Nasuti & Shabaz Ujima)
Studio G
12:15 - 2 p.m. Observe an NB2 Rehearsal
Open House visitors can watch Nashville Ballet’s official second company, NB2, rehearse throughout the afternoon.
The Open House is hosted in partnership with Tennessee Association of Dance and Dance Tennessee Day.
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Celebrating its Ruby Season, Nashville Ballet — Tennessee’s largest professional ballet company—brings audiences a vibrant mix of beloved classical ballets and groundbreaking contemporary works by world-renowned choreographers. Under the vision of Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin, the company continues to premiere original creations while inspiring future generations through School of Nashville Ballet and presenting world-class performances that reflect the spirit and artistry of Music City.
Nashville Ballet creates, performs, teaches, and promotes dance as an essential and inspiring element of the Nashville community. Season ticket holders' support helps to sustain Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational excellence, accessible arts education to children and adults throughout the Nashville area and beyond, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2, provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Nashville Ballet curriculum-based community engagement and education programs bring dance education to over 16,000 students in over 25 schools across 21 council districts in Middle Tennessee. School of Nashville Ballet provides exceptional dance training to students ages two and up.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders, community partners, and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
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