Nashville Ballet to Host Open House for the Entire Family at the Martin Center
Attendees of All Ages Will Experience the Magic of the Ballet on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – September 3, 2024 – Nashville Ballet has announced that they will host an Open House for the entire family on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Attendees will get an exclusive sneak-peek into the captivating world of Nashville Ballet during this one-day extravaganza.
The Open House event will offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic behind the upcoming season as guests will enjoy complimentary performances that will showcase the highlights from Nashville Ballet’s diverse repertoire. In addition, guests can engage in insightful Q&A sessions and meet the talented artists who bring these stories to life.
A truly special feature of the day will be the presentation at 12 p.m. by Artistic Director and CEO, Nick Mullikin, as he highlights the upcoming 2024-25 Season’s exceptional works, loaded with exhilarating experiences and thought-provoking narratives. Mullikin will give an overview of the beloved classical stories including Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling’s Draculawith George Balanchine’s Serenade, The Sleeping Beauty and holiday favorite Nashville’s Nutcracker. In addition, he will provide insight and depth for attendees as he discusses the two world premieres, Frida & Diego’s Dia de los Muertos, choreographed by NB2 Director Maria Konrad, and the company’s annual Attitude series that will feature three powerful pieces, one being a world premiere by Mullikin, that brings awareness to the difficult topic of addiction as it weaves a story of struggle, hope, and connection through breathtaking dance.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to explore the world of ballet through the long list of activities and behind-the-scenes tours as dancers will be available in the lobby in costume for photo opportunities. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to meet with staff from the School of Nashville Ballet, as well as the box office team for any ticket package questions or to purchase merchandise.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Blood Assurance / Dracula Blood Drive – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
To encourage donations, donors will receive a Buy One, Get One ticket offer to Nashville Ballet’s upcoming performance of Dracula. Individuals interested in donating should sign up – HERE.
Behind-The Scenes Tour of Nashville Ballet
11:15 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1:15 p.m.
Leaving from the lobby, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, a customized 44,000 square-foot facility that serves as home for the ballet’s professional dancers, school students and administrative offices. Guests will see where the spectacular costumes and sets are made and stored.
STUDIO A – Nashville Ballet Season Performance Previews
11 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1 p.m. – View Nashville Ballet Company Rehearsal
12 p.m. – Season Presentation by Artistic Director & CEO, Nick Mullikin
STUDIO C – The Sleeping Beauty Story Time
11:15 a.m. / 12:15 p.m. / 1:15 p.m.
Join the Nashville Ballet Teaching Artist as they tell the tale of an evil fairy’s curse on a beautiful young princess doomed to sleep until love’s kiss breaks the spell. Children will dance their way through this classic tale and learn how ballet has become a timeless cherished tale through its beautiful music and movement.
STUDIO D – Inside the Ballet Podcast Recording with LIVE audience
Go Inside the Ballet with artists, creatives, and cultural experts in this podcast series from Nashville Ballet. Whether you’re looking to increase your dance IQ, gain an understanding of social and cultural themes surrounding a work, or simply want to learn more about how a ballet is brought to the stage.
11:45 a.m. – Featured guest: Dmitri & Jennifer Kulev, Co-Directors of School of Nashville Ballet
12:45 p.m. – Featured guest: Melinda Dobson, Director of Production
1:45 p.m. – Featured guest: Nashville Ballet Company Artist
STUDIO E – Arts & Crafts for Kids (On-going)
Allow your child’s creativity and imagination to run wild with a stop in Studio E for arts and crafts anytime throughout the Open House.
STUDIO F – School of Nashville Ballet
School of Nashville Ballet offers exemplary dance instruction for ages two to 102 and of every experience level. Students can stretch their imaginations, learn self-expression, nurture their skill and artistry and reach their fitness goals through our varied programs. If you or your child have ever been interested in taking a dance class, here’s your chance to try a class for FREE!
11:00 a.m. – Pre Ballet (Ages 6-8 yrs)
11:20 a.m. – DanceFix (Adults 18+)
11:40 a.m. – Pinkie Classes (Ages 3-5 yrs)
12 p.m. – Tap (Ages 8-12 yrs)
12:20 p.m. – Boy’s Ballet (Boys Ages 8-18 yrs)
12:40 p.m. – Modern/Contemporary (Adult 18+)
1 p.m. – Jazz (Ages 10-18 yrs)
1:20 p.m. – Hip Hop (Ages 6-12 yrs)
1:40 p.m. – Adult Jazz (Adult 18+)
STUDIO G – NB2 Rehearsal of World Premiere Ballet, Dia de los Muertos
12:15 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Open House visitors can watch Nashville Ballet’s official second company, NB2, rehearse throughout the afternoon for its October 17-20 World Premiere of Dia de los Muertos. This production bridges Mexican traditions with Nashville’s cultural landscape promising an unforgettable experience. Stop in and get a sneak peek of the vibrant production.
Coffee / Espresso Bar by Asulon Collective in the Lobby
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
# # #
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 and other guest artists.
Nashville Ballet has announced its 2024-25 season lineup that includes the beloved classics like Dracula with George Balanchine’s Serenade,Nashville’s Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty, all choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling. 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. Season tickets and packages, including select performances, and single show tickets are now available through NashvilleBallet.com or by calling 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
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 12,000 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, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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.
