Photo credit: MA2LA
Season Opener Sept. 11 – 20 Features a Celebrated Classic, Emerging Choreographers and an Early Look at a Potential 2028 Full-Length Ballet
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — September 1, 2026 — Nashville Ballet will open its 2026–27 season Sept. 11–20 with with Live in Studio A, an intimate program that gives audiences a rare, up-close look at both ballet’s celebrated past and its creative future, from a honored classic to new works created from within Nashville Ballet. The season – Movement Taking Form – is sure to dazzle audiences.
Anchored by George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the program brings together classical precision and athleticism with fast-paced choreography in one of Nashville Ballet’s most experimental programs of the season.
Among the program’s highlights is the first public look at The Picture of Dorian Gray, a new work by Nashville Ballet Rehearsal Director Travis Bradley inspired by Oscar Wilde’s classic novel. The piece offers audiences an early glimpse into the development of a work Nashville Ballet hopes to expand into a full-length production for fall 2028.
This mixed rep performance includes three new contemporary works choreographed by Nashville Ballet company artists Maia Montgomery, Garritt McCabe and Anneliese Guerin, providing a platform for emerging choreographic voices from within the organization. The production marks the first company-program works for Montgomery and McCabe.
“I think one of the things that we’re all kind of longing for is a sense of connection to our community,” said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet. “One of the things that the arts does so well is bring people together. It’s also important that we give our artists the creative space they deserve to explore new ideas, take artistic risks and grow as storytellers beyond their work onstage.”
That sense of connection is at the heart of Live in Studio A. Presented in Studio A at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, the program places audiences just feet from the dancers, providing an immediate view of the artistry, athleticism and creative energy behind a professional ballet company.
Bradley, whose choreography was featured in Nashville Ballet’s 2025 production of If I Can Dream, has been developing the concept for The Picture of Dorian Gray for approximately two years. The Live in Studio A presentation provides an early glimpse into the creative process as the work begins its journey toward a potential full-length production.
Live in Studio A launches Nashville Ballet’s 2026–27 season, Movement Taking Form, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to honoring ballet’s classical foundation while creating space for new voices, new works and deeper connections with the community.
The 2026–27 season continues with Giselle, Oct. 2–4; Día de los Muertos, Oct. 28–Nov. 1; Nashville’s Nutcracker, Nov. 27-Dec.27;
Cinderella, Feb. 26–28, 2027; and Attitude, May 7–9, 2027.
Single tickets are on sale now for all performances and are only $50 for Live in Studio A.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 11 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12 — 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13 — 2 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17 — 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 18 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 — 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20 — 2 p.m.
All performances take place at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37209.
For tickets and additional information, visit 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 and CEO Nick Mullikin.
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 serves students ages 2 through adult and provides exceptional dance training in a supportive and inspiring environment that encourages artistic, athletic and personal growth.
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.
