Nashville Ballet kicks off 40th season – The Ruby Season – with a dazzling triple bill featuring Elvis, Balanchine and Kylián
If I Can Dream Kicks Off the Landmark Season with a Sparkling Celebration of Movement, Music and Legacy
Featuring Soul-Stirring Music by The Nashville Symphony at TPAC – October 10-12
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 1, 2025 – Elvis has entered the building. Nashville Ballet is proud to launch its 40th Season – The Ruby Season – with If I Can Dream, an electrifying triple bill featuring Balanchine, Kylián and Presley with performances October 10–12, 2025, at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).
Choreographed and directed by Travis Bradley, If I Can Dream, set to the timeless music of Elvis Presley, fuses the elegance and artistry of classical ballet with the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. First previewed at the 2024 Nashville Dance Festival, this expanded work showcases a rich tapestry of Elvis Presley’s catalog of music. The production includes Elvis’ classics such as “That’s All Right,” “Suspicious Minds,” “Kiss Me Quick,” “It Hurts Me,” “Men with Broken Hearts,” “Forget Me Never,” and the powerful anthem that gives the production its name, “If I Can Dream.”
Bradley, whose celebrated career includes work with Ballet Memphis, Houston Ballet and Richmond Ballet, spent countless hours curating and reimagining the King’s catalog. From stripped-down arrangements to emotional storytelling through movement, If I Can Dream showcases Presley’s timeless music that’s both fresh and deeply human. Garritt McCabe will reprise his role as The Icon opposite Will Giannuzzi debuting in alternate casts, while Claudia Monja with James Lankford or Jorge Emilio Peña will perform the Pas de Deux.
If I Can Dream. Photo Credit: Karyn Photography
“Elvis’ music is timeless and the messages in his songs are universal,” said Travis Bradley. “I wanted to showcase the vastness of Elvis’ musical range, from gospel and blues to pop ballads; he was a master storyteller. This piece is meant to celebrate his music while bringing joy and inspiration to the audience to dream of a better tomorrow.”
Additionally, the evening will begin with George Balanchine’s Rubies, the second movement from Balanchine’s legendary Jewels. Set to Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, this sparkling masterpiece dazzles with sharp wit, angular lines and vibrant movement accompanied by the award-winning music of The Nashville Symphony with guest pianist Alessandra Volpi. A tribute to the vitality of dance, Rubies captures the genius of Balanchine at his most playful and provocative. The lead principal dancers include Michael Burfield, Jamie Kopit, Garritt McCabe, Claudia Monja, Lily Saito, Brett Sjoblom, Gwyneth Smith, Autumn Tierney and Colette Tilinski.
Un Ballo. Photo Credit: Lydia McRae Photography
Then, returning to the Nashville stage by popular demand, Jiří Kylián’s Un Ballo, a poignant and deeply human work set to Maurice Ravel’s lush music. Known for its emotional nuance and contemporary elegance, this ballet contrasts neoclassical structure with modern intimacy. It’s a stirring meditation on love, memory and connection that showcases the expressive power and range of Nashville Ballet’s artists.
If I Can Dream is made possible in part by a generous sponsor, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA). CASTING NOTE: Principal dancer Lily Saitomakes her return to the stage in this production after rupturing her Achilles last year and receiving rehab treatment at TOA.
Tickets for If I Can Dream and other single performances start at $50 and increase based on seating location and ticket preferences. Don’t miss this blockbuster lineup as Nashville Ballet offers curated packages where you can pick 2-4 performances and save up to 25% on adult tickets and 50% on children’s tickets. View single tickets and season ticket packages at NashvilleBallet.com, or by phone at 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
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ABOUT TRAVIS BRADLEY
Travis Bradley danced for Ballet Memphis, Houston Ballet, Richmond Ballet and Julia Adam Dance. He has also been the rehearsal assistant for Ballet Memphis, Julia Adam Dance and for NB2. He has performed many memorable roles and created multiple works with choreographers from around the globe, such as Trey McIntyre, Stanton Welch, Ben Stevenson, Mark Godden, Matthew Neenan, Julia Adam, and many others. His performing opportunities allowed him to reach audiences across North America. Travis has created numerous classical and contemporary ballets, including a full-length Sleeping Beauty and The Ugly Duckling for Ballet Memphis. He and his husband, Jordan Nichols, have co-directed and co-choreographed over 20 musicals together performed at Playhouse On The Square, Serenbe Playhouse, Theatre Memphis, Rhodes College and Desoto Family Theatre. Travis has created numerous works for Project Motion, Lost in Found Memphis and choreographed Opera Memphis’ Pirates of Penzance. He has received numerous Ostrander Awards and Allie Awards and received the Michael Wasmund award in Houston for his love and dedication to dance.
ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET:
Nashville Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin, and other guest artists. Now celebrating their 40th Season – The Ruby Season, Nashville Ballet creates, performs, teaches, and promotes dance as an essential and inspiring element of the Nashville community. Season ticket holders’ support helps to sustain Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational excellence, accessible arts education to children and adults throughout the Nashville area and beyond, contributing to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape.
Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2, provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through virtual and in-person season performances and Community Engagement programming. Nashville Ballet curriculum-based community engagement and education programs bring dance education to over 16,000 students in over 25 schools across 21 council districts in Middle Tennessee. School of Nashville Ballet provides exceptional dance training to students ages two and up.
Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders, community partners, and hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support for Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
