Nashville Ballet is seeking expressive, versatile dancers to join our Company and NB2 for the 2026–2027 season. We seek Artists that are committed to creating a culture of support to one another, and dedication to our community. Led by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin, our artistic vision is centered around the idea of using classical ballet vocabulary and technique to tell stories that range from classical to cutting edge. Each season we strike the balance of producing full-length ballets, neo-classical work, contemporary masterpieces and a commitment to creating brand new work.  

Our primary performances take place at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, where we present full-scale productions throughout the season. Dancers also have opportunities to perform in additional venues as part of our expanding performance calendar. 

In recent years, Nashville Ballet has toured internationally, sharing our work with audiences in London and at cultural festivals in Mexico. These tours are an important part of our artistic identity and reflect our commitment to representing American ballet on a global stage. 

Community engagement is central to who we are. From youth cast opportunities and open houses to education and outreach programs, Nashville Ballet is actively connected to the city we serve. We value curiosity, generosity, and collaboration, and we welcome dancers from all backgrounds who are excited to grow as artists within a supportive and ambitious environment. 

Company: WHAT WE OFFER

• Guaranteed minimum 37-week-per-year contract  

• Competitive base weekly salary: $700 for Company members 

• Comprehensive benefits including group medical insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance for all employees  

• Special partnerships to support our dancers’ training and wellness, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, Pilates, massage, sauna and cold plunge access, and more.  

NB2: What we offer

• NB2 Dancers: Competitive base weekly stipend at $300 

• NB2 Dancers will take company class several times weekly with additional opportunities to train alongside NB2 Trainees in dedicated classes 

• Benefit from tuition-free training, access to School of Nashville Ballet classes, and seasonal shoe allotment. 

• Special partnerships to support our dancers’ training and wellness, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, Pilates, massage, sauna and cold plunge access, and more.  

NB2 Trainee Program: WHAT WE OFFER 

• Discounted Tuition-based trainee program at $3,500/year (valued at $10,000/year) 

• Dedicated NB2 Trainee training class every morning in the studio, with opportunities to rehearse and perform alongside First Company 

• Full access to School of Nashville Ballet classes, and shoe reimbursement for company performances (dependent on casting). 

• Have access to select First Company dancer resources that support training and wellness. 

• Participate in a variety of community engagement performances and outreach programs. 

• Please click here to learn more. 

Your experience

Artists interested in our company are encouraged to have at least one year of professional experience working with a company or second company. If you are a student graduating this year or have not had a chance to work professionally, we encourage you to select our second company, NB2, when applying below.  

Audition General Guidelines 

• There are two audition options: attend an Open Class or submit a video for private invitation consideration. 

• Materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Due to the high volume of applicants, Nashville Ballet will contact potential candidates directly, and not all auditionees may receive notification of their results. 

• For auditionees planning to attend the Open Class only, advanced submission of materials is not required. 

Open Class Audition 

Please bring your printed resume, headshot, and 2–3 dance photos with you to the audition. 

Nashville, TN | March 1 | Open Audition 
8:30 AM — Registration 
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Ballet Class 

Registration: At the Front Desk, you will submit your materials and receive a number for the audition class. 
Address: 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN 37209 

Please note that cuts may be made throughout the audition class. 

To best prepare our team and space, we are asking dancers to RSVP if they plan to attend our Open Audition in Nashville. You may do so here.  

Planning to join us in Nashville? See our Attending the Ballet page for details about our studios and nearby hotels. 

Video Submissions for Private Class Invitations 

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the process as private company class invitations will be limited. Those invited to audition in person will receive an email from Nashville Ballet where they may be offered an appointment to take a company class. 

Please read carefully and submit the following: 

• A video with no introduction or fancy editing, consisting of the following performed in tight-fitting dance attire such as leotard, tights, fitted shirt, etc: 

• A short classical variation drawn from the standard repertoire, danced in pointe shoes (if applicable), 

• A short contemporary variation (that could consist of something drawn from the repertoire, phrases from classwork, or an applicant-created work) that illustrates the applicant’s command of a range of movements different from that demonstrated in the classical variation, 

• 3-5 minutes of barre work, incorporating both sides, 

• 3-5 minutes of center work that includes adagio, pirouettes, and petit and grand allegro, preferably danced in pointe shoes (if applicable).  

• Headshot and 2-3 dance photos that reveal the dancer's body proportions and line. 

NASHVILLE BALLET SUBSCRIBES TO THE INTERNATIONAL AUDITION PRE-SELECTION GUIDELINES.