As a part of our objective to promote from within, Nashville Ballet gives PTD students priority consideration for open NB2 and Trainee positions in our official second company. Students also pursue careers at other prestigious companies such as Texas Ballet Theater, ABT Studio Company, Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Cleveland Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, Ballet Nebraska, California Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Smuin Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Idaho, Cincinnati Ballet, Louisville Ballet, along with many more! Students have also gone on to attend college programs including Butler University, Pointe Park University, and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Being a part of a large ballet organization with a professional company, guest choreographers, and artistic staff offers daily inspiration and unique opportunities. As company dancers prepare to perform new commissions from emerging choreographers and renowned masterworks from the likes of George Balanchine and Jiří Kylián, PTD students see the breadth of the creative process and art form.

Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director Nick Mullikin leads an outstanding faculty including School Directors, Jennifer and Dmitri Kulev, whose expert knowledge gives you the tools to advance your technique and reach your goals. Our faculty focuses on individual corrections and mentorship based on each dancer’s abilities and career aspirations.

The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet is a world-class dance facility, customized to fit the needs of our professional artists, students, and administrative offices. Students train in seven first-rate studios with Harlequin sprung flooring, live piano accompaniment in daily technique classes, and have access to on-site Pilates equipment.

PTD dancers have several performance opportunities throughout the season including showcases at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet at the end of the fall and spring semesters and main stage performances alongside the professional company in Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC.

Recognizing that education is an important part of each student's development, Nashville Ballet has a unique partnership with Belmont University that allows dancers to apply their dance experience in PTD toward a bachelor’s degree. Click here for more information. For high school students, we are partnered with Laurel Springs School, a fully accredited, private online school for students K-12. Click here for more information.

The curriculum includes technique, pointe, variations, partnering, and contemporary. Students receive supplemental training on a rotational basis in other disciplines such as floor barre, conditioning, cardio, yoga, and Nashville Ballet repertory. They also receive education in resumé writing, media training, audition tips, nutrition, video observation, and other topics relevant to dance professionals.

Depending on the year, there can be anywhere between 25-30 dancers.

Payment plans are available and set up on a case-by-case basis. Any outstanding balances will be automatically charged to payment cards provided by April.

PTD dancers who move to Nashville seek out their own living arrangements around the city. Dancers often find roommates when participating in our Summer Intensive. If you did not participate in Summer Intensive and do not know anyone in Nashville, we have a Facebook group for posting/seeking roommates and housing for incoming PTD and Trainee/NB2 dancers.

School of Nashville Ballet has partnered with Laurel Springs School, a private, online accredited school for students K-12. Online schools such as Laurel Springs School provide dancers who are still in high school with the flexibility they need to achieve academic success without sacrificing hours spent training for a career in dance.

We have chosen to partner with Laurel Springs School because they allow students and their families to set their own graduation goal, and will work with you to ensure you meet each deadline while being mindful of your requirements as an aspiring professional dancer. Additionally, they have a 91% college acceptance rate, ensuring that your academic future is in good hands. To learn more about Laurel Springs School, visit their website or call (484) 947-2074. Make sure you mention that you are a student at School of Nashville Ballet.

Alternatively, some universities offer online high school programs, such as Brigham Young University and University of Nebraska. Metro Nashville Public Schools is another good resource for online curriculum. If you are unsure, we also encourage students to talk to their current high schools about options such as finishing your degree early, remotely, or with other online schools.

Each dancer progresses at their own rate. The goal is to advance through two years of PTD, to Trainee, NB2, Company Apprentice, and finally to the Company. Promotions occur within the limitations of space and budget.

Yes, within the limitations outlined above.

Mr. Mullikin takes an active interest in ensuring that the School is doing its job to train dancers for work as professionals. He considers it a priority for the entire organization, and part of the mission of Nashville Ballet.

We have the expectation that all PTD students will participate in Nashville’s Nutcracker. Some roles do require a dancer to be selected by the artistic staff.

PTD dancers have their own rep that they perform in the fall and the spring. It will include company work that is already in our rep and full-length classical work, as well as original contemporary and classical works created specifically for the PTD program.

Is there a resident physical therapist at Nashville Ballet?
There is not a resident PT at Nashville Ballet currently. However, we work very closely with Susan Underwood Physical Therapy. This group also provides support to the PTD students in lecture and information sessions to educate them on what is going on with their bodies.

What about orthopedists or other doctors/hospitals?
We work closely with massage therapists, chiropractors, and sports doctors in the area. Information is available upon request at the front desk or by emailing school@nashvilleballet.com.

When recovering from an injury, are students allowed to observe and participate in non-dance aspects of the program?
Yes, students are encouraged to watch and participate as they are able.

Depending upon a student’s work experience, job availability, and the discretion of the School Directors, part-time employment opportunities may be available. For available positions, visit nashvilleballet.com/careers. For questions regarding employment for PTD students at the ballet, email school@nashvilleballet.com or call (615) 297-2966 x910.

Dancers are given the time necessary to complete their recovery program until they are able to dance again. Refunds due to injury are considered on a case-by-case basis, with mitigating and aggravating factors taken into consideration such as the cause and severity of the injury.