Sponsorships and Tickets are On Sale Now for Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker Tea to be Held Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
Secure Your Tickets Now for Nashville’s Favorite Holiday Tradition - Nashville’s Nutcracker - Returning to TPAC
November 29 – December 28, 2025
Nutcracker Tea Co-Chairs (L-R): Kayla Clayborne Counts, Blair Steakley Lund, Ashley Horne Herring
Photo Credit: Anthony Romano
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – July 24, 2025 - Nashville Ballet has announced the date for their annual Nutcracker Tea to be held on Sunday, November 23 from 3 - 5 p.m. at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The enchanting, family-friendly event will be co-chaired by Kayla Clayborne Counts, Ashley Horne Herring and Blair Steakley Lund, and marks the official kick off to Nashville Ballet’s production of Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker, the cherished holiday classic returning to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall from November 29 through December 28, 2025.
The festive, Nashville’s Nutcracker-themed party will give attendees the opportunity to experience the Sugar Plum Fairy's kingdom, the Mouse King, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, up close and personal. This grand soiree brings the joy of the season by offering a shortened, interactive version of Nashville’s Nutcracker for little ones. The event is geared towards preschool to elementary ages, but all ages are welcome to join in what is sure to be the perfect way to celebrate this beloved ballet.
Attendees will enjoy treats, arts and crafts and other whimsical activities. Featuring appearances by beloved Nashville’s Nutcracker characters, festive adult beverages and a professional photo opportunity, this event is a perfect way to create memories with the entire family.
The highly-anticipated favorite holiday tradition raises much needed funds to support the School of Nashville Ballet’s Scholarship Fund. The funds raised from this event allow Nashville Ballet to award over $250,000 annually in merit and need-based scholarships, providing high-quality dance training to students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Nashville’s Nutcracker Tea sponsorships and VIP tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out. Visit www.NashvilleBallet.com/Nutcracker-Tea for more information or email Morgan Pufahl at MPufahl@NashvilleBallet.com.
Nashville’s Nutcracker
Tickets are also on sale to experience Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC's Jackson Hall from November 29 through December 28, 2025. Be a holiday hero by securing the best seats at the best prices for the entire family during this Christmas in July promotion with single tickets starting at just $45. Performances will include Nashville Ballet company dancers, Nashville Ballet’s Second Company NB2, a cast of youth students from School of Nashville Ballet and select community partners.
Youth Cast Auditions
Nashville Ballet invites local children, ages 8-18, to audition for roles in this year’s production. Auditions will be held on Sunday, August 24 and Sunday, September 7 at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet. Open to all skill levels, auditions are fun, welcoming, and require no prior dance experience. Details will be announced soon. For inquiries, contact youthcast@nashvilleballet.com or visit Nashvilleballet.com/youth-cast-information.
Nashville Ballet Company Dancers (L-R): Claudia Monja and Sarah Pierce
Photo Credit: Anthony Morano
ABOUT THE EVENT CHAIRS:
Kayla Clayborne Counts
Professionally, Kayla is a member of Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Public and Community Engagement team where she manages TVA’s Corporate Contributions program and the Community Care Fund, a matching grant program with TVA’s 153 local power companies.
Kayla began her involvement with Nashville Ballet as a board member of the Friends of Nashville Ballet where she served as an officer on the Executive Committee.
She currently sits on the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee Executive Committee and Cheekwood Family Society Advisory Board and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Nashville.
Previously, Kayla served as co-chair of the Nashville Symphony Ball, Junior League Centennial Founding Day Fête, Fall for Cheekwood, Nashville Ballet Ball Auction, and Symphony Ball Late Party. Kayla and her husband, Donnie, have two young sons, Tristan and Sebastian.
Ashley Horne Herring
After an exciting 16-year career in the magazine industry in New York City, Ashley Horne Herring returned to her hometown of Nashville, where she works as a freelance photo shoot producer. A lifelong lover of the arts, Ashley has a special passion for dance and loves watching her 7-year-old daughter explore her own creativity at School of Nashville Ballet.
In addition to her support for the arts, Ashley is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Through her work with the C&B Foundation, she champions local organizations such as the Nashville Food Project, Thistle Farms, and Equal Chance for Education. She is also a proud member of the Ballet’s Relevé Society and previously chaired its Last Call event.
When she’s not working behind the scenes or supporting causes close to her heart, Ashley and her husband, Hunter, enjoy exploring Nashville’s vibrant music and theater scene.
Blair Steakley Lund
Blair Steakley Lund is a Nashville native and is the Director of Healthcare Sales for UPS. Blair has been with UPS for 20 years and knew from her days at the University of Tennessee that Supply Chain Management was going to be her long-term career. Blair is married to Jonathan Lund and they share two children, Blakely and J.R. In her free time, Blair spends time traveling, working on her cancer foundation, Think Pink TN, and co-chairing her children’s preschool auxiliary board.