YAGP International Outstanding Choreographer of the year Maria Konrad to join Nashville Ballet as Director of NB2

NASHVILLE, TENN. (January 26, 2023) Nashville Ballet is thrilled to announce that nationally recognized choreographer Maria Konrad has been named their new Director of Nashville Ballet 2 (NB2), Nashville Ballet’s official second company. Recently named International Outstanding Choreographer in 2022 by Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest dance network, Konrad’s work has been showcased and recognized both nationally and internationally.

“We are elated for Maria to be joining our Nashville Ballet family,” shared incoming Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Nick Mullikin. “Our NB2 artists are the future of this company, and we pride ourselves in investing in their talent. For them to have the opportunity to work day in and out with a choreographer of this caliber is unprecedented, and we can’t wait to see how much this program continues to grow under Maria’s guidance.”

A graduate from A.W. Dreyfoos High School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Konrad earned her BFA in Performing Arts at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a teacher in Philadelphia, she created the early-dance-education curriculum for the school of the Koresh Dance Company, which has been featured in Dance Magazine. A nationally acclaimed choreographer, her work has been presented around the country at Pennsylvania Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, the 2022 Nervi Festival in Italy, the Mariinsky, the Spoleto Festival in South Carolina, The School of Colorado Ballet, The Harid Conservatory, Florida Atlantic University, and more. This season, she will create for Oklahoma City Ballet 2, NB2, and Kansas City Ballet’s main company. She has collaborated with artistic organizations such as Palm Beach Symphony and Palm Beach Pops, and her work has been picked up by several choreographic workshops. She has been recognized by organizations such as Young Arts and YAGP for Outstanding Choreography (2015, 2017) and International Outstanding Choreographer (2022) and has been a guest teacher for institutions such as The Colorado Ballet School, The Joffrey School, University of the Arts, Florida’s Young Dancers Workshop, The Art of Classical Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, St. Paul’s School, Florida Dance Festival, and YAGP.

Konrad will be joining Nashville Ballet full-time beginning in August. As the Director of NB2, she will work alongside incoming Artistic Director Nick Mullikin to expand NB2’s repertoire and programming for the 2023-23 season. A champion of the diversity of the art form, Konrad aspires to help NB2 artists develop their skills outside of just ballet by exploring contemporary, jazz, and modern movement. In addition, she will spearhead bringing in new choreographers, classes, and workshops for NB2 dancers.  

“As an artist, I have always been intrigued by the curriculum of contemporary dance and how we can use it to support classical technique,” shared Konrad. “When we unite these styles of movement, we push the boundaries of the art form and create stronger, more versatile artists and programming. Nashville Ballet has created a space that fosters this sort of creativity and forward-thinking, and I’m so excited to continue bringing that vision to life through the second company.”

To learn more about Nashville Ballet and NB2, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Nashville Ballet to Highlight Stories of Music City’s Past in Anthology this February

NASHVILLE, TENN. (January 5, 2023) Nashville Ballet will continue its 2022-23 season and kick off the new year with the world premiere of Anthology. Conceptualized by Emmy Award-winning Artistic Director Paul Vasterling, Anthology will highlight unexplored stories of Music City’s past. Inspired by his passion for community, music, and movement, Anthology will be Vasterling’s final world premiere as Artistic Director of the company.

“In my 34 years with Nashville Ballet, I’ve always been mesmerized by the city around us,” shared Vasterling. “It is full of artists, creators, musicians, and visionaries; new ideas, collaborations, and voices. But it’s important to remember that there are people that came before us that made all of this, and so much more, possible. My hope with Anthology is that it would give names, faces, and recognition to those whose influence, accomplishments, and sacrifices, are so often forgotten. Everyone’s story deserves to be told.”

A poignant exploration of Nashville’s rich cultural tapestry, Anthology will explore the stories of both well-known locals and everyday people of the past, including formerly enslaved philanthropist Lucinda Bedford, the first woman to serve on the Nashville Police Force, dance visionary Albertine Maxwell, the first peoples of Middle Tennessee, and more.

Known for his cross-disciplinary collaborations, Vasterling has enlisted a variety of choreographers, musicians, and composers to contribute to the project, including multi-award winner Sidra Bell, newly appointed Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone, longtime Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist Shabaz Ujima, Windship Boyd, Company Dancer Aeron Buchanan, MORGXN, Jordan Lehning, and local composer Larissa Maestro. Similar in kaleidoscopic style to his nationally-acclaimed ballet, Lucy Negro Redux, which recently premiered on PBS’ Great Performances series as Black Lucy and the Bard, Anthology will highlight a variety of art forms on stage in addition to dance, including original songs, musical scores, and live projection.

Anthology is sponsored in part by Vanderbilt University, DANCE/USA, and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and will make its world premiere at TPAC’s Polk Theater February 10–12, 2023. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Nashville’s Nutcracker Returns to TPAC this Holiday Season with Brand-New Snow Scene

NASHVILLE, TENN. (November 10, 2022) Fresh off its Emmy Award win for the televised adaptation, Nashville’s Nutcracker will return to TPAC December 9–24, 2022. Deemed Music City’s favorite holiday tradition, this year’s production will feature the beloved, unique-to-Nashville story, plus live music by the Nashville Symphony and a brand-new Snow Scene.

“When I created this ballet almost fifteen years ago, I wanted to make it something unique to our community- something we could be proud of,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Over the years, it’s become so much more than that. It’s a tradition our dancers look forward to, an experience we share with family and friends, and most of all, an opportunity for us all to come together to celebrate the magic of the holidays and the beauty of dance.”

Inspired by the 1897 Centennial Exposition, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, Nashville’s Nutcracker showcases the unique history and cultural innovation of Music City. The performance begins with Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer at the Exposition, where they experience inventions from across the globe and see the beloved Nutcracker for the first time. Along with the iconic land of sweets and sugar plum fairies, several Nashville treasures are featured throughout the performance, including Centennial Park and the Belle Meade Mansion.

Known for its eye-catching costumes and elaborate sets, this year’s attendees will get to experience the debut of a brand-new Snow Scene. Inspired by the company’s Emmy Award-winning film adaptation of the beloved production, the new Snow Scene is designed to look as if you are staring into a piece of dark mica stone—with reflections and sparkles inside that

make the dreamy costumes pop more to the audience. The new scene was created specifically for this production by renowned designer Campbell Baird.

Nashville’s Nutcracker will feature Nashville Ballet company dancers, the artists of NB2, a youth cast of students from School of Nashville Ballet, Rejoice School of Ballet, and the Hispanic Family Foundation, and live music by the Nashville Symphony. A complete holiday experience, guests will also be able to enjoy several pre-performance activities, including a commemorative photo booth, meet and greets with characters from the production, and story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists.

Nashville’s Nutcracker is sponsored in part by the Tennessee Titans. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. For more information, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Paul Vasterling’s Final Season as Artistic Director to Include World Premiere of Anthology

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 24, 2022) As part of his final season as Artistic Director of Nashville Ballet, Paul Vasterling will debut his newest work, Anthology, on February 10–12 at TPAC’s Polk Theater. A poignant exploration of Nashville’s rich cultural tapestry, Anthology will blend music and movement to tell stories of Music City’s past.

Inspired by and set in the historic Nashville City Cemetery, Anthology is an homage to the Nashvillians, known and unknown, who have shaped the city we know today. Opened on January 1, 1822, The Nashville City Cemetery is the oldest continuously operated public cemetery in Nashville. By 1850, it was the final resting place for more than 11,000 people of every race, religion, and economic status. The ballet follows a young person as they explore the 200-year-old grounds and encounter the spirits of those buried there.

“I’ve always had a deep passion for community, and ours is so rich with people and stories that often get overlooked,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “All of them are pertinent pieces to the life we live today, yet most of us are completely unaware. We often have the most to learn from those of which we know the least, and that’s exactly what Anthology explores.”

The ballet will feature stories of the first peoples of Middle Tennessee, formerly enslaved philanthropist Lucinda Bedford, the first women on the Nashville Police Force, and Albertine Maxwell, widely regarded as Nashville’s founder of ballet.

Known for his cross-disciplinary collaborations, Vasterling has enlisted a variety of choreographers, musicians, and composers to contribute to the project, including Nashville local and longtime teaching artist Shabaz Ujima, newly appointed Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone, Windship Boyd, multi-award winner Sidra Bell, MORGXN, Jordan Lehning, Larissa Maestro, and more. Similar in kaleidoscopic style to his nationally-acclaimed ballet Lucy Negro Redux which recently premiered on PBS’ Great Performances series as Black Lucy and the Bard, Anthology will highlight a variety of art forms on stage in addition to dance, including original songs, musical scores, and live projection.   

Anthology is sponsored in part by Vanderbilt University and will make its world premiere at TPAC’s Polk Theater February 10–12, 2023. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Nashville Ballet to Host Immersive Live in Studio A Performance this November

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 11, 2022) Nashville Ballet will once again welcome audiences into their studios for a one-of-a-kind immersive dance experience with Live in Studio A, November 4-13 at the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet. This intimate performance will give audiences the rare opportunity to see three stunning ballets and a live chamber ensemble from the coveted vantage point usually only enjoyed by members of the artistic staff or members of the cast.

“This is really a unique opportunity for audiences to see the artistry and athleticism of dance up close,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “In a traditional theater setting, it’s inevitable that some elements of the production get lost in the distance between artist and audience member. But with Live in Studio A, every person is seated only a few feet away from the dancers, allowing them to absorb movement in a way that just isn’t possible outside of the studio. It’s truly a magical experience between audience member and artist, and our dancers can’t wait to share that with our community.”

Hosted on-site at the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, Live in Studio A will showcase the budding talent of the organization’s artists with both new and world-class works. The program will include George Balanchine’s balletic masterpiece, The Four Temperaments. Both technically challenging and aesthetically riveting, The Four Temperaments blends both classical and modern movement to examine the medieval theory that we all possess four humors that make up our temperaments. The production will also include the return of Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s beloved Seasons, featuring the music of Antonio Vivaldi recomposed by Max Richter, and the world premiere of CEO and Associate Artistic Director Nick Mullikin’s Four Loves.  

Seasons and Four Loves will be accompanied by a live chamber orchestra, featuring international violin sensation and award-winning instrumentalist Yvette Kraft. A 2021 NPR “From The Top” Fellow and solo performer, Kraft made her professional debut at just 11 years old with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Since then, she has played with several renowned companies, including the Interlochen Orchestra, Washington Idaho Symphony, Seattle’s Philharmonic Northwest Orchestra, and the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra.

Live in Studio A will run at the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet November 4–13, 2022. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Local Students to Perform in Nashville Ballet’s Cinderella at TPAC this October

Nashville Ballet will be opening their 2022-23 season with the help of local students as they present Paul Vasterling’s Cinderella. Running at TPAC October 6–9, the fan-favorite production will feature Nashville Ballet company dancers, live music by the Nashville Symphony, and a youth cast comprised of students from School of Nashville Ballet, Rejoice School of Ballet, and the Hispanic Family Foundation.

“This is really a unique opportunity for School of Nashville Ballet students and our community partners,” shared School Administrative Director Sarah Dey. “Not only does it build confidence, social skills, and an appreciation for the art form, but it shows each of them what is possible when we work hard and work together. They will see their weeks of dedication come together and pay off on stage and be able to share it with friends, family, and our community- and that’s truly what the arts is all about.”

The Youth Cast for Cinderella will include 48 students ages 5–7 from School of Nashville Ballet, Rejoice School of Ballet, and the Hispanic Family Foundation. In preparation for the production, students will have the opportunity to work alongside Nashville Ballet faculty, artistic staff, and company dancers to rehearse their roles, varying from Bees, Snow Angels, Castle Pages, Fairy Godmother Attendants, Wigmaker Assistants, and Violinists.  

This year’s Youth Cast includes the following students from each county:

Cheatham County

Charlee Harrison

Davidson County

Abigail Tristan

Abril Munoz     

Addison Wade

Anthonella Gomez Roche

Autumn Church

Charlie Emerson Grace Nelson

Denver Smith

Eloise MacEachern

Emily Maiorino

Emma Greer

Georgia Grace Traughber

Hattie Dodge   

Irys Atkinson

Kimora Chatman

Nora Kate Berry

Lincoln Francois

Maisie Glicken 

Emma Luo

Margaret Meyerson

Margaret Thornberry

Mary Walton Jarman    

Matilda Kaczmarek

Riley Reed       

Kolby-Rose Watson

Roselyn Hernandez

Soheila Crooks

Vera Mitchell

Wisdom Matthews-Cistrunk

Montgomery County

Maddox Harding

Robertson County        

Norah Beutler

Rutherford County

Ana R. Montoya Lopez

Ka'iulani Moss

Williamson County

Adeline Taylor

Cecilia Ludvik

Chelsea Pittman

Emme Shervik

Amelia Johnson

Helen King

Marielle Tyson 

Naomi Bratton

Umay Kadayifei

Winter Jones-O'Daly

Amelia Elshire  

Wilson County

Ava Passaniti

Brayden Smith

A sold-out production during its 2016 run, Cinderella will feature Sergei Prokofiev’s magical score presented live by the Nashville Symphony, plus specially designed 18th century costumes, stunning sets, and original choreography by Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. In addition, families will be able to participate in a variety of pre-performance activities, including photo-ops with beloved characters and a special pointe shoe decorating station.

Cinderella will be live at TPAC October 6–9, 2022 and is sponsored by Conrad Nashville, Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance, and Delta Dental. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here. For more information, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

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Nashville Ballet’s 2022-23 Season to Highlight Female Artists and Creators

Known for their emphasis on collaboration and creativity, Nashville Ballet will be working alongside an all-star line-up of both local and nationally renowned female artists for their 2022-23 season. The highly anticipated repertoire will include brand-new works by multi-award winner Sidra Bell, international dancer and artistic visionary Cathy Marston, local composer and producer Larissa Maestro, multi-cultural creator Windship Boyd, and newly appointed Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone.

“One of the most extraordinary elements of dance is the connection between the creator and the audience,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “When we bring in new voices, fresh ideas and visions, we are creating opportunities for more people in our community to resonate with something they see on stage, and ultimately change how they experience the artform. We are so honored to be working with a group of such incredibly talented women and can’t wait for audiences to see what they have in store for them this season.”

Vasterling’s Anthology, which will premiere at TPAC’s Polk Theatre in February of 2023, will feature stories of Music City’s past choreographed by Bell, Boyd, and Sansone. Bell and Nashville Ballet received the prestigious Dance/USA's BIPOC Female Choreographers in Ballet initiative grant, funded by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, which aims to amplify the voice and vision of BIPOC female choreographers, to fund her commission in the project. A Yale University alumnus, Bell has choreographed for companies such as MTV, Revlon, and Paris Fashion Week, along with some of the country’s most prestigious dance institutions, including The Julliard School and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Joining Bell on the project will be the Company’s first ever female Resident Choreographer, Mollie Sansone. A seasoned dancer with more than 17 years of experience with Nashville Ballet, Sansone is only the second individual to take on the role in Company history. In February of 2022, Sansone’s Fortitudine premiered during the Company’s annual Attitude series to rave reviews, with Music City Review calling it, “a moving representation of the emergence of self-expression and the liberation it can model for others.”

Throughout the season, the Company will also be collaborating with local multi-instrumentalist and producer Larissa Maestro, international violin sensation Yvette Kraft, acclaimed composer Jessie Montgomery, renowned stagers Diana White and Sarah Van Patten, Washington Post acclaimed creator Gabriela Lena Frank, and international costume designer Holly Hynes.

In addition, School of Nashville Ballet Professional Division and Academy Day Program students will work with newly-promoted Professional Programs Manager Anaïs Chalendard for their production of The Sleeping Beauty, which will run at the Martin Center for Nashville Ballet May 5–14, 2023. An internationally renowned artist, Chalendard is a former Boston Ballet principal and was named one of the 100 Best Dancers in the World by Dance Europe Magazine.

Nashville Ballet will kick off their 2022-23 season on October 6 with Cinderella at TPAC’s Polk Theater. To learn more about their upcoming performances and purchase tickets, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

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Nashville Ballet to Kick Off 2022-23 Season with Paul Vasterling’s Cinderella

Nashville Ballet will kick off their highly anticipated 2022-23 season with Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s Cinderella this fall. Running at TPAC’s Polk Theater October 6–9, the fan-favorite production will feature original choreography by Vasterling, a youth cast of School of Nashville Ballet students and community partners, and a classical score performed live by the Nashville Symphony. This will mark the beginning of Vasterling’s final season as Artistic Director for the organization before officially retiring and transitioning to Artistic Director Emeritus at the end of the 2022-23 season, when he will be succeeded by current CEO and Associate Artistic Director Nick Mullikin. 

“I’ve created over 40 ballets during my career at Nashville Ballet, but stories like Cinderella are always my favorite,” shared Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling. “Not only is it an aesthetically beautiful and technically challenging production, but it transcends generations and reaches both new and loyal audiences. It brings all different types of people together to appreciate something we all hold dear- and that’s why we do what we do.” 

Hailed by Broadway World Nashville as “dreamily beautiful and wistfully romantic,” the family favorite was first presented in 2011 and sold out during its last run in 2016. Set to Sergei Prokofiev’s magical score presented live by the Nashville Symphony, the production features an array of specially designed 18th century costumes, stunning sets, and original choreography by Vasterling. Adding a bit of humor and a modern twist to the timeless tale, Vasterling’s unique adaptation will also include male company dancers hilariously on pointe in the iconic role of the wicked stepsisters, and a leading lady who is confident, ambitious, and in charge of her own happy ending.  

Joining Nashville Ballet company dancers on stage will be a youth cast of students ages 5–7. Comprised of aspiring dancers from School of Nashville Ballet and community partners from Rejoice School of Ballet, Moves and Grooves, and the Hispanic Family Foundation, youth cast students will have the opportunity to perform for a live audience, learn from professional dancers and artistic staff, and see how a mainstage production comes to life from start to finish. 

 Cinderella will be sponsored by Conrad Nashville and Tennessee Orthopedic Alliance. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, upcoming performances, or to purchase tickets, please visit nashvilleballet.com. 

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