Welcome to Director’s Cut, a fresh series of snappy, engaging interviews with ballet artistic directors all across the country. These micro-interviews blend ballet insights with get-to-know-you questions for a quick yet meaningful peek behind the ballet curtain. Whether you want to learn about a dream song to choreograph to, or the perfect summer reading book, you have come to the right place.

Since joining Nashville Ballet in 2015, Nick Mullikin has played a pivotal role in the growth of the company. Promoted to Associate Artistic Director in 2018 and Artistic Director in 2023, he has overseen significant growth at the School of Nashville Ballet and NB2. His leadership includes commissioning over 20 new works for NB2 and producing acclaimed productions like Nashville’s Nutcracker and PBS’s Black Lucy and The Bard. With a performing career spanning Houston Ballet and Ballet West, Mullikin has danced internationally, including at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2004, performing iconic pieces by William Forsythe, George Balanchine, and Anthony Tudor. A respected guest teacher and judge on the Youth America Grand Prix panel, Mullikin also advises ballet schools and festivals nationwide.

Favorite ballet step? 

Tendu

Best local restaurant to visit after a performance?

Noku

Dream song to choreograph/dance to?

Gustav Mahler Symphony no. 5

Essential pre-show ritual?

A walk on the empty stage looking at the empty house

Book you last read?

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson 

Hobbies outside of ballet?

Travel, playing pool 

App you can’t live without?

Spotify

What did you want to be when you grew up when you were a kid?

Astronaut 

Ballet dancer/performance from the past that you wish you could go back in time to see?

Crystal Pite, Parade by NDT

Career milestone before becoming this company’s artistic director? 

Becoming this company’s CEO