SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE BALLET ANNOUNCES NASHVILLE-BASED AUDITION FOR 2026 SUMMER INTENSIVES SET FOR JANUARY 31, 2026

School of Nashville Ballet has announced details for a Nashville-based audition for its 2026 Summer Intensive sessions including the Company Immersion Intensive. The Summer Intensive Audition Tour will conclude with an in-house audition on January 31, 2026, from 3:30-6 PM.  

Dancers who participate in the Summer Intensive sessions will be automatically considered for Nashville Ballet’s Second Company (NB2) and select year-round training programs.  Auditions are open to dancers ages 12 and up and registration will close the Wednesday prior to each audition or when capacity is reached. 

Summer Intensive Program 

A featured offering is the Company Immersion Intensive, recommended for dancers ages 17–22 with pre-professional or professional experience. This selective five-week program focuses on advanced technical training, expanded repertoire and immersive performance opportunities. 

Led by Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director and CEO of Nashville Ballet, the program transitions in its final two weeks into a company-style experience. Dancers take daily classes and rehearsals while collaborating with guest choreographers and Nashville-based musicians. The experience culminates in a live performance at The Martin Center at Nashville Ballet, offering dancers insight into the demands of life as a professional ballet dancer. 

"This is not a workshop, it’s professional-level training with real expectations,” said Dmitri Kulev, incoming Director of Nashville Ballet’s Second Company (NB2) and Head of Men’s Program. “We are preparing dancers for the demands of today’s ballet world. Our goal is for every student to leave stronger, more confident and clearer about their artistic path.” 

Audition Details 

$45 pre-registration 

$50 walk-ins 

Applicants must submit a resume, headshot and photo in first arabesque.

“We challenge dancers to grow while honoring what makes each artist unique,” said Jennifer Kulev, School of Nashville Director. “These intensives emphasize discipline, discovery and developing the confidence to step into the next phase of training.” 

In addition to the Summer Intensive sessions, School of Nashville Ballet offers Junior and Adult Intensives, providing high-quality training for dancers at different stages in a supportive, structured environment. No audition is required for these programs. 

Junior and Adult Intensives 

Junior Intensive (ages 9-13 or technical placement): School of Nashville Ballet students must have completed Academy Level 2 or have received special invitations. Outside students must have 2+ years of ballet training. 

Immerse your young dancer in a focused environment with Nashville Ballet’s faculty, providing them with a full-day intensive training to get a leg up in their future dance studies, technique and artistry by participating in our Junior Intensive program this summer.  

Through a combination of ballet, pre-pointe, repertory, jazz, character and other specialized workshops, students will grow their technique, strength and artistry and will leave with the knowledge and skills to reach the next level in their training.  

Students will participate in classes from approximately 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday – Friday, June 1-5 and 8-12, for either one or two weeks. Time will be built into their daily schedule for lunch.   

Adult Intensive (ages 18+): Open to the Nashville community and all levels of experience are welcome.  Designed to keep adult dancers on their toes, this two-week event provides an opportunity for participants to leap into a variety of movement-based classes.   

In addition to classical ballet technique taught by members of Nashville Ballet's professional Company and faculty, dancers will get to sample an eclectic array of dance-based genres, broadening their knowledge of the artform. This is a not-to-be-missed chance for every dancer to challenge their endurance, hone their skills and refine their artistry while in a warm and welcoming environment.   

Adult Intensive Classes will be held in the evenings Monday – Friday with a ballet technique class followed by a supplementary class. Participants are welcome to enroll for one week, both weeks, or drop in as their schedule allows. 

For details on Nashville auditions and program information, visit https://www.nashvilleballet.com/audition-tour or email intensive@nashvilleballet.com.