Residency School Program dETAILS
Welcome Back Residency Schools for the 2025-2026 performance season!
All Residency Schools must complete the Residency School Agreement Form below. The requirements in the agreement are minimal and go a long way in helping us improve our Community Engagement program and secure funding.
Please direct any questions to Briona Richardson, Senior Manager of Community Engagement, at brichardson@nashvilleballet.com or (615) 297-2966 x111.
2025-2026 Residency School Program Options
After submitting the Residency School Agreement Form, schools should complete the Residency School Program Schedule Form to arrange programming for the 2025-2026 school year.
One (1) Children's Ballet Performance
This performance will not travel to schools as it has in the past. Contact Briona Richardson to schedule.
Act I of Nashville’s Nutcracker - presented at TPAC, December 18, 2025, 10:15-11:30 a.m. (K- 12th Grade)
For this field trip-friendly presentation, students will get the chance to see Act I of our holiday favorite, Nashville’s Nutcracker, presented with the Nashville Symphony. Inspired by the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, this classic story is performed by Nashville Ballet company artists with a unique Nashville twist.
Three (3) Ballet Story Times
This program is for kindergarten - 2nd grade students. Each grade level will be visited by a Teaching Artist and learn about dance as a means of communication. Through the art of storytelling, classical pantomime, music and movement the children will experience every aspect of one of ballet’s classic stories. This program has an interactive component that allows students to join the Teaching Artist as he/she guides them through a series of movement.
Ferdinand the Bull (Kindergarten)
This gentle and engaging storytime shares the classic tale of Ferdinand, the bull who would rather sit quietly and smell the flowers than fight in the ring. Through storytelling and movement, students will explore themes of individuality, peace, and staying true to oneself. Designed to support the Wit & Wisdom “Continents” module for Kindergarten, this program connects literature, geography, and character lessons in a joyful and age-appropriate way.
The Boy That Harnessed The Wind (1st grade)
This interactive story time brings William Kamkwamba’s inspiring journey to life through movement and dance. Students will experience how creativity, determination, and perseverance can overcome even the greatest challenges, and discover the power we each hold to make a difference—no matter our age. This program is designed to support the Wit & Wisdom "Powerful Forces" module, deepening student connection to the themes of resilience, innovation, and hope.
Nashville's Nutcracker Story Time with Teaching Artist (2nd Grade) Available November 1 - December 12
Nashville's own version of this timeless holiday classic tells the tale of Clara, a young girl who travels on a fantastic journey with the help of her magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. This special holiday tradition introduces young audiences to Nashville Ballet's unique version of the traditional story by taking them on a short trip through the Land of the Sweets.
Dia de los Muertos Story Time (3rd grade) Available September 15-October 31
This interactive storytime invites students to celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos through storytelling and movement. Together, we will explore the four essential elements of an ofrenda and discover how this meaningful holiday honors family, memory, and community. Designed to support the Wit & Wisdom “A New Home” module, this program deepens student understanding of cultural traditions and the ways we carry our heritage into new places.
Dance! (4th Grade)
Inspired by Bill T. Jones and Susan Kuklin’s book Dance!, this interactive story time invites students to discover the joy and limitless possibilities of movement. Guided by a Teaching Artist, students will explore the fundamental elements of dance—qualities, shapes, and levels—using their own bodies to bring the story to life. This program sparks creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the art of dance.
Resiliency (5th Grade)
This original program blends mindfulness and movement to help students explore the five social-emotional learning competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills. Through guided reflection and creative expression, participants build tools to process challenges, adapt to change, and approach the world with resilience and confidence.
Outcomes:
Gain mindfulness techniques for everyday mental health
Cultivate imagination and creativity to better respond to change
Connection with self, family, community, and nature
Literacy Celebration
To promote a love of reading Nashville Ballet will supply guest readers from our organization to all residency schools that request a reader during your reading celebration. This will give students an opportunity to meet the non-dancing staff of Nashville Ballet and learn about arts administrative careers.
Audition for the School of Nashville Ballet
At the end of each school year students from our Residency Schools are given the opportunity to audition for full or partial scholarship into School of Nashville Ballet.
School Community Building Opportunities
Schedule any of the above programs at your school’s next Family Night or bring in our Teaching Artist for an energizing, or meditative, class for teachers.
Nashville Ballet Community Engagement would not be possible without the support of our funders. The following individuals and corporations share a vested interest in children, education and what the arts can do for both. We would like to gratefully acknowledge the funders of Nashville Ballet Community Engagement:
