Incoming Artistic Director Nick Mullikin has big plans for the Nashville Ballet 2023-2024 season, his first in the leadership position currently held by Paul Vasterling.
As Vasterling’s era comes to an end, the Music City’s ballet company is looking ahead at new beginnings – quite literally by showcasing eight world premieres by Aeron Buchanan, Anneliese Guerin, Julia Eisen, Imani Sailers, Mollie Sansone, Jermaine Spivey, Yusha-Marie Sorzano, and Mullikin himself.
Yet Vasterling’s efforts and impact which led to the growth of the company over the past thirty-four years is not forgotten. His Firebird is joined by Un Ballo by Jirí Kylián and Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit on the season’s opening program, and his full-length classics – Nashville’s Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet – round out what is sure to be a successful first season for Mullikin.
Nashville Ballet 2023-2024 Season Trailer
Nashville Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule
Firebird | September 22-24, 2023
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- Firebird by Paul Vasterling
- Un Ballo by Jirí Kylián
- Year of the Rabbit by Justin Peck
The Tony Award-winning choreographer behind Steven Spielberg’s 2021 West Side Story, Justin Peck’s Year of the Rabbit will make its Nashville debut. Hailed as “thrilling,” “poetic,” and “brilliant” by The New York Times, Year of the Rabbit blends the athleticism of classical ballet with boundary-breaking movement for a performance that is both visually stunning and physiologically intriguing.
Year of the Rabbit will be accompanied by Jirí Kylián’s moving Un Ballo, and Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling’s full-length Firebird, performed to Stravinsky’s iconic score live with the Nashville Symphony.
Nashville’s Nutcracker | December 8-24, 2023
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- Nashville’s Nutcracker by Paul Vasterling
A uniquely Nashville Ballet rendition of the timeless classic, Nashville’s Nutcracker features original choreography by Artistic Director Emeritus, Paul Vasterling, stunning costumes and sets, live music by the Nashville Symphony, and plenty of holiday magic for the whole family to enjoy.
Attitude | February 9–11, 2024
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- World Premiere by Mollie Sansone
- World Premiere by Jermaine Spivey
- World Premiere by Yusha-Marie Sorzano
Featuring three world premiere works by fan-favorite and flourishing choreographers, this compelling sampling of contemporary movement will include pieces by Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone, Jermaine Spivey, and Yusha-Marie Sorzano set to live music performed by local Nashville musicians.
Romeo and Juliet | April 19-21, 2024
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- Romeo and Juliet by Paul Vasterling
William Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers return to the stage in Paul Vasterling’s beloved rendition of Romeo and Juliet. Inspired by one of the world’s most famous love stories, Romeo and Juliet sweeps audiences away in a whirlwind of forbidden passion and swoon-worthy romance. Featuring action-packed fight scenes and lush period costumes, this timeless, full-scale theatrical production whisks audiences to the streets of fair Verona as Bard’s famous tragedy unfolds.
Live in Studio A: 5 Short Stories | May 17-26, 2024
The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet
- World Premiere by Julia Eisen
- World Premiere by Aeron Buchanan
- World Premiere by Anneliese Guerin
- World Premiere by Imani Sailers
- World Premiere by Nick Mullikin
Designed to give audiences an up-close look at the beauty and athleticism of dance, this year’s Live in Studio A production will feature live music and brand-new works by Nashville Ballet company dancers both past and present, including Julia Eisen, Aeron Buchanan, Anneliese Guerin, and Imani Sailers, plus a world premiere by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin.
Featured Photo for the Nashville Ballet 2023-2024 season of Nick Mullikin and dancers Colette Tilinski, Aeron Buchanan, Emily Ireland-Buczek, and Jaison McClendon. Photo by MA2LA.
