School of Nashville Ballet Announces National Audition Tour this January and February for Their 2026 Summer Intensives
Company’s Strategic Leadership to Conduct Audition Tour Seeking Nation’s Top Talent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – December 29, 2025 – School of Nashville Ballet has announced dates and cities for the national audition tour for their 2026 Summer Intensives to include Nashville Ballet’s Company Immersion Intensive, Contemporary Intensive and more. The 2026 audition tour will kick off on January 10, 2026, in Oceanside, CA and run through January 31 in Dallas, TX. The auditions will conclude with Nashville Ballet’s NSIA Auditions on February 8 at Nashville Ballet. School of Nashville Ballet is looking for students ages 12 and up. Registration for each city will end on the Wednesday prior to each audition location or when the audition is full. Dancers who participate in any audition will automatically be considered for our Second Company, NB2 and the school’s Professional Training Division.
An exciting program offering of note is Nashville Ballet’s Company Immersion Intensive recommended for ages 17 – 22 with pre-professional or professional dance experience. This is a selective five-week program designed to turn students into well-rounded artists. With the guidance of our experienced artistic staff, including our CEO and Artistic Director, Nick Mullikin, students will expand their choreographic repertoire, refine their technique and develop their artistry through a variety of advanced training sessions.
In the final two weeks, the program will transform into an immersive company experience, allowing dancers to explore what life is like as a company member. Participants will take daily class and engage in rehearsals while collaborating with exclusive choreographers and Nashville-based musicians. This structured environment will provide insight into the dedication, teamwork and innovation required in a professional setting. The dancer’s efforts will culminate in a performance at Nashville Ballet’s Martin Center.
Under the guidance of renowned directors, Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev, School of Nashville Ballet has significantly enhanced its performance opportunities, offering more comprehensive stage experiences for both the Academy and Pre-Professional divisions to showcase their skills and development in professional settings. In addition, the school is growing their Young Men’s Scholarship Program and is dedicated to transforming the skills and performance of male-identifying dancers of all ages.
“At Nashville Ballet’s Summer Intensive, we challenge each dancer while nurturing their individual artistry,” said Jennifer Kulev, Director of School of Nashville Ballet. “We want students to feel supported as they grow, take risks and discover who they are as artists.”
“This program is designed to build strength and refine technique while also inspiring creativity,” said newly named Second Company Director Dmitri Kulev. “Our goal is for every dancer to leave with a deeper understanding of their craft and the confidence to pursue their dreams.”
Nashville Ballet’s strategic leadership on the tour will include Nick Mullikin,Artistic Director and CEO, School Director Jennifer Kulev and Dmitri Kulev, who will be taking over as Second Company Director in summer of 2026. In addition, on tour will be esteemed members of the school team Kate Kastelnik and Janna Kirova.
Audition applications require a registration fee of $45 for pre-registration, $50 for walk-ins and $55 for video auditions as well as a resume, headshot and photo in first arabesque. For more information on the tour dates, times and locations, please visit www.nashvilleballet.com/
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MORE ABOUT NASHVILLE BALLET’S LEADERSHIP:
Nick Mullikin, Nashville Ballet Artistic Director and CEO
Since joining Nashville Ballet in 2015, Nick Mullikin has been an integral force. Under his leadership, the School of Nashville Ballet and NB2 have flourished. Promoted to Associate Artistic Director in 2018, and later Artistic Director in 2023, he has commissioned over 20 new works for NB2. He was the producer and assistant to the director on the regional Emmy award-winning Nashville’s Nutcracker in 2020, as well as Black Lucy and The Bard for the Great Performances production aired on PBS in the Fall of 2022. Mullikin’s advanced role in working with Nashville Ballet’s Company has been integral to recent programming choices and has strengthened the connection between the School and the Company. He also created multiple works for Nashville Ballet, and NB2, including work featured at the Memphis Dance Festival and multiple digital releases.
Dmitri Kulev, Incoming Director of Nashville Ballet’s Second Company – NB2 & Head of Men’s Program
Dmitri Kulev is an acclaimed ballet instructor and former principal dancer with a rich history performing across prestigious companies, including the Bolshoi Ballet Theatre. A graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under the mentorship of the legendary Peter Pestov, Dmitri’s approach to ballet education is rooted in the Vaganova method, emphasizing core strength and technique. His dedication to ballet education has guided many of his students to win top honors in major ballet competitions worldwide and secure placements in elite training programs. At Nashville Ballet, Dmitri aims to inspire and elevate the male ballet program, bringing a high standard of excellence and commitment to the art form.
Jennifer Kulev, School of Nashville Ballet Director
Jennifer Kulev brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career as a principal dancer with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, where she shone in a multitude of classical ballet roles. Having trained under the guidance of notable instructors in New Orleans and at the School of American Ballet, Jennifer emphasizes precision, technique, and artistic expression in her teaching. Her repertoire includes leading roles in iconic ballets such as Giselle,Coppélia, and Don Quixote. With her extensive performance experience and a deep understanding of ballet pedagogy, Jennifer is committed to fostering a nurturing and disciplined environment for aspiring dancers at the Nashville Ballet School.
Photo Credits: Lydia McRae Photography
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.
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 Nashville Arts Commission 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.
Tune in to Nashville Ballet’s official podcast, Inside the Ballet, for behind-the-scenes insights, artist interviews and a closer look at the stories that inspire the stage available on all streaming platforms.
To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.
