NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Back by popular demand after completely selling out in 2024, Nashville Ballet’s Día de los Muertos returns for six performances Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 2026, at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet.
Choreographed by award-winning choreographer Maria A. Konrad, Día de los Muertos draws inspiration from the paintings of iconic Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to create a vivid celebration of life, remembrance, family and shared humanity.
Blending classical ballet, contemporary movement and elements of folkloric dance, the approximately one-hour production brings the traditions and imagery of Día de los Muertos to the stage through vibrant choreography, music, elaborate scenic design and colorful costumes.
“The response to Día de los Muertos when we first presented it was extraordinary and we knew this was a work we wanted to bring back to our audiences,” said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet. “Maria created something that is visually stunning and incredibly joyful while honoring the traditions and meaning at the heart of Día de los Muertos. It is exactly the kind of work Nashville Ballet wants to present - exceptional dance that brings people together and reflects the community we are proud to call home.”
Designed for audiences of all ages, Día de los Muertos explores the Mexican tradition of remembering and celebrating loved ones who have died, not through sadness or fear, but through color, music, storytelling and joy. The production features scenic design by Nick Embree and costume design by Carolina Fernandez, creating an immersive visual world inspired by the artistry and symbolism surrounding the holiday.
“When we created Día de los Muertos, I wanted audiences to feel the warmth, joy and deep sense of family that are at the heart of this tradition,” said Maria A. Konrad. “To see Nashville embrace the production so completely was incredibly meaningful. This work celebrates the people we love, the memories we carry with us and the traditions that connect generations. I’m thrilled to bring it back and give even more families the opportunity to experience that celebration together.”
Nashville-based Latin artist Rachel Rodriguez also brings a deeply personal musical connection to the production. Rodriguez recorded “Corazoncito Tirano” specifically for Día de los Muertos, and the recording will be featured in every performance.
Konrad’s work has been presented nationally and internationally, including at Lincoln Center, Philadelphia Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, the Nervi Festival in Italy, the Mariinsky and the Spoleto Festival USA. She has been recognized by YoungArts and Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) for Outstanding Choreography and received the International Outstanding Choreographer Award presented by Pointe Magazine in 2022.
The return of Día de los Muertos is part of Nashville Ballet’s 2026–27 season, Movement Taking Form, which brings together classical works, contemporary choreography and original productions while exploring the ways ideas and inspiration are transformed through movement.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Oct. 28 — 7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29 — 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30 — 7 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 31 — 11 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 1 — 2 p.m.
All performances will take place at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN 37209.
Tickets are $40.50 and are on sale now. For tickets and additional information, visit NashvilleBallet.com or contact the Nashville Ballet Box Office at 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
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 and CEO Nick Mullikin.
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 serves students ages 2 through adult and provides exceptional dance training in a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages artistic, athletic and personal growth.
Nashville Ballet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives public funding from Metro Nashville Arts Commission 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.
Tune in to Nashville Ballet’s official podcast, Inside the Ballet, for behind-the-scenes insights, artist interviews and a closer look at the stories that inspire the stage, available on all streaming platforms.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
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