Paul Vasterling, Nashville Ballet‘s long-time running Artistic Director of thirty-four years, retires at the end of the current season. The final program – New In Nashville – celebrates Vasterling’s contributions to the growth of Tennessee’s most recognized ballet company.
New in Nashville will demonstrate the company’s expansive classical and contemporary repertory, including the state premiere of Cathy Marston’s Snowblind, a world premiere by Donald Byrd, Matthew Neenan’s Hilos, and Vasterling’s Appalachian Spring, accompanied by the Nashville Symphony.
New in Nashville: A Tribute to Artistic Director Paul Vasterling at Tennessee Performing Arts Center
- Friday, April 21, 2023 at 7 pm
- Saturday, April 21, 2023 at 2 and 7 pm
- Sunday, April 22, 2023 at 2 pm
Paul Vasterling
Throughout his 30-plus years with Nashville Ballet, Vasterling has propelled the organization’s growth both physically and fiscally. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a troupe of 12 dancers to 32 full-time, professional artists from all over the world, toured to prestigious institutions both nationally and internationally, made regional and national broadcast television debuts, including on PBS’ Great Performances series, and has collaborated with artists such as Maren Morris, Rhiannon Giddens, Ben Folds, Twyla Tharp, Jennifer Archibald, and many more.
Through this vast expansion of Nashville Ballet’s repertoire and national reputation, Vasterling has created a company that is both technically versatile, inherently collaborative, and rapidly becoming one of the top dance institutions in the country.
Following Vasterling’s official retirement, current CEO and Associate Artistic Director Nick Mullikin will step into the role of Artistic Director for the 2023-24 season.
In honor of his achievements over the years, Nashville Ballet’s Board of Directors has voted to name Vasterling Artistic Director Emeritus upon his retirement.
Featured Photo of Nashville Ballet dancers in Mathew Neenan’s Hilos. Photo by Heather Thorne.
