About the Young Men’s Scholarship Program
Male and female dancers require different skills to perform different roles, so why should their training be exactly the same? Nashville Ballet’s Young Men’s Scholarship Program (YMSP) offers specialized training for young men, tailored to their unique needs and taught by men. Working together, male dancers push themselves and each other in a supportive environment that centers on athleticism, strength, camaraderie, and discipline.
The curriculum mirrors elements of the Academy Division, but with a special emphasis on developing specific male techniques and addressing the unique challenges that face young men. Students will not only grow into confident young artists inside the studio, but strong men of character outside the studio as they learn respect, self-expression, and team-building skills.
Young Men's Scholarship program Founding leadership
Nick Mullikin
Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO
Jon Upleger
Former Nashville Ballet Company Dancer and Ballet Master
Judson Veach
Former Nashville Ballet Company Dancer
Gerald Watson
Former Nashville Ballet Company Dancer
2026-2027 School Year
August 17, 2026 - May 8, 2027
All students receive one full academic year of tuition-FREE training, followed by merit-based scholarships.
YMSP I
Recommended for dancers with 1-2 years of experience
In conjunction with one Academy class per week, this male-specific class keeps students engaged and focused while introducing them to School of Nashville Ballet class structure.
To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.
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Meets 1x per week.
Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.Dancers will:
Receive an introduction to barre work
Learn ballet vocabulary and definitions
Develop strength and flexibility to properly engage turnout and execute fundamental positions
Combine coordination-specific movement patterns
Incorporate musicality with movement
ymsp II
Recommended for dancers with 2-3 Years of experience
This class teaches young men within the full School of Nashville Ballet class structure while using innovative approaches to keeping students engaged and invested. There is an emphasis working together as a unit and instilling a sense of respect for themselves, others, and the art form.
To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.
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Meets 1x per week.
Fridays from 7-8 p.m.Dancers will:
Learn to master basic placement and positioning
Add more advanced ballet vocabulary and definitions
Incorporate port de bra and épaulement within movement patterns to challenge coordination
Focus on male-specific movement, including preparations and timing
LEVEL III
REcommended for dancers with 3+ Years of experience
This class builds a strong and clean technical foundation while developing an understanding of male-specific movement with an eye towards the demands of male classical ballet variations.
To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.
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Meets 2x per week.
Saturdays from 10:15-11 a.m.
Saturdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m.Dancers will:
Continue to refine technical and artistic abilities
Conceptualize male-specific movement to apply it to classical male variations
Emphasize artistic development within a nurturing and supportive space
Become self-aware and use critical thinking when applying corrections
Use performance opportunities to gain invaluable experience and confidence on stage
Uniform Information
Level 1
Nashville Ballet embroidered white t-shirt
Black cotton shorts
White socks
Bloch Dansoft full-sole ballet shoes in black
Levels 2-3
Nashville Ballet embroidered white fitted t-shirt or Nashville Ballet embroidered white leotard
White socks
Bloch Dansoft full-sole ballet shoes in black
Request more information
Complete this form and a School of Nashville Ballet staff member will contact you.
Questions?
For additional assistance, please contact School of Nashville Ballet at 615-297-2966 x910 or school@nashvilleballet.com.