Nashville Ballet Unveils 2026 Ballet Ball Theme: A Swan Lake-inspired evening of Elegance and Impact Next Spring
L-R: Julie Schneider, Neil Krugman, Barbara Turner and Lisa Manning. All Photo Credit(s): Daniel Meigs
Co-Chairs Neil Krugman, Lisa Manning and Julie Schneider to Lead 37th Annual Ballet Ball on March 7, 2026 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – October 28, 2025 – Nashville Ballet is thrilled to announce details for the 37th Annual Ballet Ball, returning Saturday, 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. Esteemed community leaders Neil Krugman, Lisa Manning and Julie Schneider will serve as co-chairs, alongside Honorary Chair Barbara Turner, for one of Nashville’s most anticipated and impactful evenings of the year.
Revealed during the recent Ballet Ball Kickoff Coffee event, the Ball’s Swan Lake-inspired theme pays homage to one of ballet’s most iconic and beloved masterpieces as it returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall from February 27 to March 1, 2026. Renowned for its sweeping romance, haunting beauty and emotional depth, Swan Lake will influence every detail of the evening, from ethereal design elements to dramatic staging, evoking the elegance, mystery and grandeur of Tchaikovsky’s beloved masterpiece. Renowned event planner Bruce Pittman has been charged to help bring this vision to life, promising an unforgettable celebration that reflects the magic and artistry of the ballet itself.
Ballet Ball patrons will enjoy a gourmet dining experience by Kristen Winston Catering paired with handcrafted cocktails and curated beverages provided by Lipman Brothers, LLC.
The gala will also include exclusive, one-night-only performances by Nashville Ballet company artists and surprise guest artists, to be revealed in the coming months. Then the celebration continues into the evening with the highly-anticipated Late Party, chaired by Catherine Bradbury, Kimberly Macdonald and Eli Gibbons and Sophie and Preston Howard.
The annual black-tie event is a cornerstone fundraiser for Nashville Ballet and continues to be a driving force behind the organization’s transformative Community Engagement and Education Initiatives. During the 2024–25 season alone, these programs delivered over 55,000 arts experiences to Middle Tennesseans, including free tickets to Nashville’s Nutcracker, 18 Storytime performances at local libraries and dance education programs in 40 schools. More than 300 homeschool families also participated through customized offerings, while a new five-episode podcast series deepened digital engagement. With over 23,000 individuals reached through free performances last year, Nashville Ballet is ensuring the beauty and impact of dance remain accessible to all.
“Ballet Ball is more than a celebration of art, it’s an investment in the future of our community,” said Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director and CEO of Nashville Ballet. “Every dollar raised allows us to reach more students, more neighborhoods and more families through the power of dance. By supporting this event, our patrons are helping us foster creativity, confidence and connection through the arts, planting seeds that will grow for generations to come.”
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.
Tickets for Swan Lake performances at TPAC (Feb. 27 – March 1) are also on sale and available at NashvilleBallet.com, or by phone at 615-297-2966 ext. 710.
Ballet Ball Kickoff Coffee Photo Gallery
Honorary Chair Barbara Turner, Ballet Ball 2026 Co-Chairs Lisa Manning & Julie Schneider and Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin
Meet the 2026 Ballet Ball Chairs
Neil Krugman is the Trustee and CEO of The Sandra Schatten Foundation, where he brings over 30 years of legal expertise to support the organization’s mission of advancing literary, educational, charitable, religious and scientific initiatives in Nashville. A retired partner at Waller Lansden | Holland & Knight, Neil was an early leader in managed care and DSO/MSO law, with deep experience in healthcare, administrative and corporate law.
Neil has been an engaged leader with Nashville Ballet since 2009, serving in numerous roles including Secretary, Nashville Ballet Foundation Board President and Board President from 2016–2018. He was also instrumental in the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee match campaign, helping to ensure a sustainable future for generations of dancers and audiences. His long-standing commitment has played a key role in advancing the Ballet’s mission and expanding its community impact.
Lisa Manning spent her professional career in several fields of cardiac nursing. She is an avid gardener, fortunate to have her gardens archived in the Smithsonian Institution. Her focus is on organic gardening, sustainable agriculture and preserving native plants. Her knowledge has afforded her many opportunities to share her gardens with touring enthusiasts and lecture in gardening schools and groups.
She also has passion for her community and has served in many capacities for various organizations such as The Heart Association, Fannie Battle, The Hermitage, The Nashville Symphony and The Nashville Zoo to mention a few. She has had a seat on the Legion Fund Board for nine years. Lisa is now serving her 6th year on the White House Historical Association and she has consistently volunteered with Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. She has worn many hats at Cheekwood beginning with weeding in her university days, chairing a myriad of events over many years, and last serving as president of the Board of Trustees during the pandemic. Lisa supports organizations she believes in, and while she has often supported, she is excited to be a part of the initiative to raise funds for this most worthy cause, Nashville Ballet.
Julie Schneider is a dedicated philanthropist actively supporting Nashville Ballet, The Swan Ball benefiting The Friends of Warner Parks, Nashville Opera, and The Nashville Symphony.
Originally from the Midwest, Julie and her husband, Dr. John Schneider, moved to Nashville almost 20 years ago with their three sons. After a successful legal career, Julie transitioned into property management, where she continues to excel.
Julie’s volunteer work is a testament to her dedication to the Nashville community. After serving on various committees for Nashville Ballet, including most recently the Development Committee, Julie is excited to serve as Co-chairman of Ballet Ball 2026. Her leadership as the co-chair of Nashville Opera’s La Bella Notte 2024, the most well-attended Opera gala in over a decade, was a shining example of her commitment to the community, as it was the highest-grossing Opera gala to date. Julie also serves on the Advisory Board of the Nashville Repertory Theater, co-chairing the fifth and sixth annual Broadway Brunches and founding the patrons’ party for the event. Notably, Julie is
active in the Montgomery Bell Academy community, serving as a parent solicitor for the Annual Fund and demonstrating her commitment to education and community involvement.
Honorary Chair – Barbara Turner
Barbara Turner, originally from Atlanta, Georgia has made Nashville her home since the mid-1980’s. After a brief career in retail sales, she and her husband welcomed children, after which Barbara transitioned to community volunteer roles. Over the years, Barbara has been honored to have served on the Board of Trustees (or Directors) for Harding Academy, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, The Nashville Zoo and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens to name a few.
In 2012, Barbara joined the Nashville Ballet Board and quickly became actively immersed as a co-chair for the Elevate Campaign to renovate and expand the Ballet’s campus after its purchase of the original Climb Nashville space. The Martin Center opened its doors in 2015, and the Nashville Ballet has been growing and thriving ever since. In addition to this project, she served four years on the Executive Committee as Board Secretary. It has been intensely gratifying for Barbara to witness Nashville Ballet’s continued growth, outstanding company performances, its increasing community engagement and evolution as a world class dance institution, a true Nashville arts treasure.
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.
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