From Timeless Classics Like Giselle, Cinderella and Nashville’s Nutcracker to Daring New Works and World Premieres, the Season is Designed to Inspire and Surprise
Nashville Ballet unveiled its 2026–27 season, Movement Taking Form, an expansive lineup of captivating performances that highlights the company’s evolution through classical favorites, contemporary premieres and bold storytelling, led by Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin.
Marking a defining chapter for the company, the season brings this vision to life through the following productions - Live in Studio A, Giselle, Día de los Muertos, Nashville’s Nutcracker, Cinderella and Attitude, all dynamic collections of work where discipline becomes artistry and ideas ignite into movement.
“This season begins with a sense of possibility,” said Nick Mullikin, Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director & CEO. “Movement Taking Form reflects where Nashville Ballet is as a company and where we are going. It is about the point when ideas stop living only in conversation and begin to take shape on stage through discipline, artistry, and shared purpose. I chose works that highlight the versatility of our artists and reflect the full range of what ballet can be. This season honors the classical foundation of the art form while making space for new voices, bold creation, and the kind of momentum that helps define a company’s future."
The season opens with Live in Studio A (Sept. 11–20, 2026) at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, offering an intimate, up-close experience. Anchored by George Balanchine’s vibrant Allegro Brillante, set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the program pairs classical precision with four new works by the company’s artistic team and dancers, including a selection inspired by Dorian Gray.
In October, Mullikin debuts a reimagined full-length Giselle (Oct. 2–4, 2026) at TPAC’s Polk Theater, performed live with music by The Nashville Symphony. This return to the main stage marks the ballet’s first local staging in more than a decade. Rooted in folklore, the story of love and betrayal unfolds in a shadowy world of vengeful Wilis, with refreshed choreography and a darker emotional lens.
Later that month, Día de los Muertos (Oct. 28–Nov. 1, 2026), choreographed by Maria A. Konrad, returns to The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet following a sold-out run in 2024. Inspired by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the work blends Mexican tradition with contemporary dance in a vivid, celebratory exploration of life, memory and connection.
The holiday season brings back Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker (Nov. 27–Dec. 27, 2026) at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by The Nashville Symphony, this Emmy Award-winning production reimagines the classic tale against the backdrop of the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, following Clara’s magical journey through a distinctly Nashville lens.
In February, Cinderella (Feb. 26–28, 2027) returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall with choreography by Paul Vasterling and music by Sergei Prokofiev, performed live by The Nashville Symphony. This elegant production brings the beloved fairy tale to life through sweeping movement and theatrical storytelling centered on transformation, hope and resilience.
The season concludes with the Attitude (May 7–9, 2027) at TPAC’s Polk Theater, a showcase of contemporary ballet. Coming off three standing ovation performances in 2025, the program features the return of Mullikin’s deeply personal Erase the Night alongside a world premiere by Marika Brussel and additional works, including selections such as Ulysses Dove’s Red Angels, offering a bold and thought-provoking finale.
Together, the 2026–27 season reflects Nashville Ballet’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation, a season where movement takes shape in new and compelling ways.
2026–27 Season Schedule:
Live in Studio A — Sept. 11–20, 2026 | The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet
Giselle — Oct. 2–4, 2026 | TPAC Polk Theater
Día de los Muertos — Oct. 28 – Nov. 1, 2026 | The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet
Nashville’s Nutcracker — Nov. 27 – Dec. 27, 2026 | TPAC Jackson Hall
Cinderella — Feb. 26–28, 2027 | TPAC Jackson Hall
Attitude — May 7–9, 2027 | TPAC Polk Theater
Tickets and Season Packages:
Nashville Ballet offers various season ticket packages designed for date nights or the entire family. Season tickets are on sale now, with flexible packages designed for newcomers and longtime patrons alike.
Complete Season Package — See all six productions starting at $211 for adults and $156 for children under 12, with savings up to 30%, priority seating and exclusive perks.
Relevé Package — A new premium experience combining season tickets with Relevé Society membership, including receptions with artists and special events starting at just $311.
Symphony Package — Experience three classical ballets Giselle, Nashville’s Nutcracker and Cinderella performed live with The Nashville Symphony, starting at $126.50.
Family Package — Curated to create lasting memories for audiences of all ages, this package includes Día de los Muertos, Nashville’s Nutcracker and Cinderella, with tickets starting as low as $114.50 for adults and $79 for children.
Create Your Own Package — Choose three or four performances and save up to 25% on adult tickets and 50% on children under 12 years of age.
Get tickets at www.NashvilleBallet.com or by calling 615-297-2966 ext. 710.