Swan Lake Returns to TPAC as Nashville Ballet Unveils the Spectacular Classic Production
Photo credit: Karyn Photography
The Iconic Full-Length Ballet Returns Feb. 27 – March 1, 2026, with Live Orchestra and Debut Performances in the Principal Roles
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — February 2, 2026 — Nashville Ballet will bring Swan Lake, one of the most iconic works in classical ballet back to the stage for the first time since 2018 with a full-length production February 27 – March 1, 2026,at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall. Performed live to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score by The Nashville Symphony, the production marks a major artistic moment for the company and its dancers.
Choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling and inspired by the original works of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, Swan Lake is widely regarded as the definitive classical ballet that tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a Swan Queen cursed by an evil sorcerer to live as a swan by day and a woman by night. Only a vow of true love can break the spell. The ballet explores themes of love, deception and redemption through some of the most demanding and emotionally complex roles in classical dance.
Nashville Ballet is the city’s premier and most authentic home for classical ballet, bringing Swan Lake to the stage with unmatched authority and artistic distinction. As Nashville’s resident professional ballet company, it delivers a level of craftsmanship, musicality and theatrical grandeur that defines true classical performance. With a live orchestra, internationally trained artists and a legacy of original productions, this Swan Lake is not simply an event, it is Nashville’s definitive presentation of one of ballet’s greatest works.
“Swan Lake holds a special place in the classical canon and in Nashville Ballet’s history,” said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet. “This production honors the tradition audiences expect while showcasing the power, athleticism and emotional clarity of today’s dancers in roles that define a classical career.”
Photo credit: Heather Thorne
A highlight of the 2026 run will be a series of principal role debuts, as four dancers step into the ballet’s most iconic and demanding roles for the first time. Lily Saito and Colette Tilinski will alternate as Odette/Odile, while James Lankford and Jorge Emilio Peña alternate as Prince Siegfried. The dual role of Odette/Odile is widely considered the most challenging in classical ballet, requiring a single dancer to embody two dramatically opposite characters with extraordinary stamina, precision and emotional range. Prince Siegfried presents a different but equally critical challenge, demanding sustained strength, flawless partnering and the ability to carry the ballet’s emotional arc.
The return of Swan Lake highlights Nashville Ballet’s rise as a nationally recognized company, delivering productions of remarkable scale and artistic ambition.
Performance Schedule:
- Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Swan Lake is recommended for audiences of all ages. Tickets start at $54 and are on sale now at www.nashvilleballet.com/swan-lake-2526.
Nashville Ballet’s 37th Annual Ballet Ball
The Nashville Ballet will host Nashville Ballet’s 37th Annual Ballet Ball fundraising gala on March 7, 2026, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Swan Lake, the 2026 gala will blend classical elegance with contemporary celebration in honor of the Ballet’s milestone 40th Season. Underwriting opportunities are available now that provide access to all Ballet Ball events.
For more information about the Ballet Ball and/or Late Party, please visit NashvilleBallet.com/ballet-ball or email events@nashvilleballet.com.
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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.
