NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nashville Ballet has announced single tickets are on sale now for their 40th Season – The Ruby Season – with dazzling productions that embody the passion, power, and artistry.
Under the artistic direction of Nick Mullikin, the season will kick off this October with If I Can Dream, choreographed by Travis Bradley and set to the iconic music of Elvis Presley, an audience favorite from the 2024 Nashville Dance Festival. This opening performance will also feature George Balanchine’s Rubies and Jiří Kylián’s Un Ballo with live music by The Nashville Symphony.
Then, audiences will be captivated by the beloved classical stories, choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling, to include Emmy Award-winning Nashville’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake accompanied by live music by The Nashville Symphony.
The season will close with Sherlock – the electrifying centerpiece of our annual Attitude series. Acclaimed choreographer Penny Saunders returns to the stage with a dazzling Tennessee premiere that reimagines one of literature’s most iconic figures in an entirely new light. The Attitude series will also include Maria Konrad’s DEA and Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors.
“Nashville Ballet is a local treasure producing world-class work that brings joy and sparks inspiration in each person it touches,” said Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin. “We are thrilled to celebrate our 40th Season with a lineup that promises something extraordinary for everyone. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to Nashville Ballet, we invite you to join us and make us part of your entertainment experience. This series of works is designed to capture your heart and thrill the imagination.”
Nashville Ballet's 2025-2026 season will feature exceptional works loaded with exhilarating experiences, thought-provoking narratives and fan-favorite classics.
2025 - 2026 Season Schedule:
If I Can Dream - October 10-12, 2025
Paired with George Balanchine’s Rubies and Jiří Kylián’s Un Ballo
TPAC's Polk Theater
We begin with the brilliance of George Balanchine’s Rubies – a sparkling masterpiece that is as bold as it is beautiful. Next, we are proud to present Un Ballo by the renowned choreographer Jiří Kylián returning to our stage by popular demand. Set to the lush and evocative music of Maurice Ravel, this striking ballet contrasts the neoclassical clarity of Rubies with contemporary depth and emotional nuance. The music for these opening pieces will be performed by The Nashville Symphony
Bringing the program to a powerful close is the main stage premiere of Travis Bradley’s If I Can Dream, set to the iconic music of Elvis Presley. Infused with soul, spirit, and reverence, it’s a heartfelt homage to an American icon, and a thrilling fusion of classical ballet with the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll.
Nashville’s Nutcracker - November 29 - December 28, 2025
TPAC's Jackson Hall
This holiday season, experience the magic of Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker, the beloved Emmy Award-winning production from Nashville Ballet. This uniquely Nashville retelling of the classic tale blends local history, timeless storytelling and dazzling choreography accompanied by live music by The Nashville Symphony. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey through twinkling snowflakes, the enchanting Kingdom of the Sweets, and a thrilling battle with the Mouse King.
With grand sets, exquisite costumes and heartwarming spirit, it’s no wonder this festive favorite was named Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville. Whether it’s a cherished tradition or a first-time experience, Nashville’s Nutcracker is a joyful celebration of community, imagination and holiday magic for the whole family.
Swan Lake - February 27 - March 1, 2026
TPAC’s Jackson Hall
This February, Paul Vasterling’s adaptation of Swan Lake returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall for the first time since 2018. A breathtaking blend of romance, tragedy and transformation that captivates both seasoned ballet lovers and first-time attendees. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this timeless tale follows Princess Odette, cursed to live as a swan, whose fate rests on the power of true love.
With choreography inspired by Petipa and Ivanov, sweeping visuals, masterful staging and live music by The Nashville Symphony, Swan Lake delivers a rich emotional and visual experience from the haunting beauty of the swan maidens to the grandeur of the ballroom and the drama of its fateful conclusion. This is an unforgettable journey where magic, elegance and enduring hope come together in one of ballet’s most beloved masterpieces.
Sherlock - May 1-3, 2026
Paired with Maria Konrad’s DEA and Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors
TPAC’s Polk Theater
Close out the 2025–26 season with Sherlock, the electrifying centerpiece of Nashville Ballet’s annual Attitude series, as acclaimed choreographer Penny Saunders reimagines the legendary detective in a bold Tennessee premiere. This noir-inspired production blends cinematic choreography, immersive storytelling and vintage 1940s radio broadcasts to transport audiences into the brilliant mind of Sherlock Holmes. A co-production with Grand Rapids Ballet and Ballet Idaho, Sherlock features evocative sets, atmospheric lighting and original costumes that bring the mystery to life.
Balancing the program are two compelling works that continue the Attitude series’ tradition of presenting cutting-edge contemporary ballet. The evening opens with Tony-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd's Wake the Neighbors, a compelling and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. Then, Maria Konrad’s DEA, expanded from its original pas de deux, returns with renewed emotional depth and grace.
Tickets for single performances start at $45, depending on the production, and can increase based on seating location and ticket preferences. Don’t miss this blockbuster lineup as Nashville Ballet offers curated packages where you can pick 3-4 performances and save up to 25% on adult tickets and 50% on children’s tickets. View single tickets and season ticket packages at NashvilleBallet.com, or by phone at 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
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.
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Nashville Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin, and other guest artists.
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 Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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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