Residency School Program dETAILS

Welcome Back Residency Schools for the 2023-2024 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.


2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 14, 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.

Little Cloud Story Time with Teaching Artist (Kindergarten)
Based on the book "Little Cloud" by Eric Carle, this program introduces students to the joy and boundless possibilities of movement. Guided by a Teaching Artist, students will learn how to create shapes and carve out space with their bodies.

HONK! The Story of a Prima Swanerina Story Time with Teaching Artist (1st Grade)
Based on the light-hearted children’s book of the same name by Pamela Duncan Edwards, this interactive story engages all ages with a humorous tale about a ballet smitten swan who has an unexpected moment to shine onstage with a group of prima ballerinas, who, in Mimi's mind, are simply pretending to be her!

Nashville's Nutcracker Story Time with Teaching Artist (2nd Grade; Available in November)
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.

Dance! (3rd Grade)

Based on the book "Dance!" by Bill T. Jones and Susan Kuklin, this program introduces students to the joy and boundless possibilities of movement. Dancers teach students how to create shapes and carve out space with their bodies.

Resiliency NOW! (4th and 5th Grade)

Incorporating the 5 Social Emotional Learning competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision making and relationship skills) with mindfulness and movement, this 10 part series (15 minutes each), will equip participants with techniques to reflect, process and approach change creatively.

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 children an opportunity to meet the non-dancing staff of Nashville Ballet and learn about their jobs.

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 the 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: