Nashville Ballet keeps Tennessee on its toes
Published: Apr 7, 2009
Nashville might be known for its country music and line dancing, but the city also has a side that’s a bit more graceful.
The Nashville Ballet , situated on the outskirts of downtown Nashville, is the largest professional ballet company in the state and the only one of its kind in Middle Tennessee. Its productions captivate audiences with soaring leaps, graceful pirouettes and stately arabesques.
The company began as a civic ballet company and later became professional in 1986. Now in its 23rd season, it's the leading way to expose Nashville to both classical and contemporary ballet.
The ballet has international and national recognition, as well. It has toured through South America, making stops in Argentina and Uruguay, as well as locations throughout the United States, including New York, Texas and New Orleans.
The artistic staff and company dancers have captivated audiences with productions such as The Bell Witch, Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Suite and its annual performances of The Nutcracker. Each year, about 61,000 adults and children are present at the performances.
The company also reaches out into the community. The School of Nashville Ballet has an enrollment of more than 500 students of all ages, teaching a curriculum that trains students in classical techniques and also introduces students to modern dance and jazz.
Working alongside educators, the ballet also participates in various outreach programs in Nashville schools, offering interactive lessons and demonstrations.
The company provides beginning and intermediate ballet classes for students ages 13 and older. Call (615) 297-2966 ext. 20 for a full schedule of classes and prices.
- by Leah Caudle , Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro
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