Celebrate 40 years of dance and artistry with Nashville Ballet’s Ruby Season, a milestone year filled with passion, innovation, and unforgettable experiences. With something for every taste, this season invites you to be part of the magic like never before!
Polk Theater, TPAC | Oct 10–12, 2025
Nashville Ballet opens its landmark 40th Anniversary—The Ruby Season—with a dazzling program that embodies the passion, power, and artistry that have defined our company for four decades.
With the accompaniment of The Nashville Symphony, we begin with the brilliance of George Balanchine’s Rubies—a sparkling masterpiece that is as bold as it is beautiful. With its rhythmic vitality and fiery elegance, Rubies is a tribute to the vibrancy of movement and will mesmerize audiences with Balanchine’s unmistakable genius.
Next, we are proud to present Un Ballo by the renowned choreographer Jiřà Kylián returning to our stage by popular demand. Set to the lush and evocative music of Maurice Ravel performed by The Nashville Symphony, this striking ballet contrasts the neoclassical clarity of Rubies with contemporary depth and emotional nuance. It’s a compelling journey of expression, showcasing the extraordinary range and versatility of our company.
Bringing the program to a powerful close is the main stage premiere of Travis Bradley’s If I Can Dream, an audience favorite from the 2024 Nashville Dance Festival. Set to the iconic music of Elvis Presley, this deeply moving work traces the King’s legendary career—from the raw energy of Sun Records to the triumph of the 1968 Comeback Special. Infused with soul, spirit, and reverence, it’s a heartfelt homage to an American icon, and a thrilling fusion of classical ballet with the rhythm of rock ’n’ roll.
This unforgettable evening promises something for every ballet lover—a sparkling celebration of tradition, innovation, and the enduring power of dance.
Jackson Hall, TPAC | Nov 29–Dec 28, 2025
This holiday season, step into a world of wonder as Nashville Ballet presents the return of a beloved tradition, Nashville’s Nutcracker, choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling. A dazzling blend of history, imagination, and timeless storytelling, this Emmy Award–winning production has become the crown jewel of Middle Tennessee’s holiday season and a cherished experience for audiences of all ages.
Set against the rich backdrop of Music City’s past, this uniquely Nashville retelling of the classic tale invites you to journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a magical world of twinkling snowflakes, the daring Mouse King, and the breathtaking Kingdom of the Sweets, all brought to life by live music from The Nashville Symphony.
Jackson Hall, TPAC | Feb 27–Mar 1, 2026
Prepare to be swept away this February as Paul Vasterling’s Swan Lake returns to TPAC’s Jackson Hall stage for the first time since 2018. A treasured favorite for ballet aficionados and a breathtaking introduction for first-time attendees, Swan Lake promises an unforgettable experience of romance, drama, and artistic excellence.
A captivating blend of romance, tragedy, and transformation, Swan Lake follows the story of Princess Odette whose transformation into a swan by an evil sorcerer can only be broken by true love. With elegant choreography inspired by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and accompanied by the iconic score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed live by The Nashville Symphony, this production captures the soul of classical ballet at its most captivating.
With masterful staging and sweeping visuals, this beloved classic brings the enchanted lake to life in a way that captivates both the heart and the imagination. From the ethereal grace of the swan maidens to the grandeur of the ballroom and the raw intensity of the ballet’s climactic moments, every scene is a visual and emotional feast.
As we usher in the second half of our season, join us for this unforgettable journey where love defies fate, and magic meets the elegance of ballet. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or discovering the art form for the first time, Swan Lake promises a moving and majestic experience that speaks to the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the enduring power of hope.
Polk Theater, TPAC | May 1–3, 2026
Step into the shadows and follow the clues as we close our 2025–26 season with Sherlock—the electrifying centerpiece of our annual Attitude series. Acclaimed choreographer Penny Saunders returns to our main stage with a dazzling Tennessee premiere that reimagines one of literature’s most iconic figures in an entirely new light.
In this riveting ballet, the legendary Sherlock Holmes comes alive through bold choreography, cinematic flair, and immersive storytelling. But this is more than a mystery—it’s a journey into the brilliant, enigmatic mind of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Complete with original costumes, atmospheric lighting, and evocative set design, Sherlock is a thrilling co-production with Grand Rapids Ballet and Ballet Idaho, made even more transporting by the integration of vintage 1940s radio broadcasts from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This nostalgic audio layer will pull you straight into the noir-inspired world of gaslight intrigue and elegant suspense.
Balancing the program are two compelling works that continue the Attitude series’ tradition of presenting cutting-edge contemporary ballet. The evening opens with Tony-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors, a compelling and emotionally resonant experience for audiences. Then, Maria Konrad’s DEA, expanded from its original pas de deux, returns with renewed emotional depth and grace.
Whether you’re drawn to the cerebral thrill of Sherlock Holmes or the fearless beauty of contemporary choreography, this year’s Attitude promises an unforgettable finale to the season—mysterious, mesmerizing, and masterfully performed.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Season subscriptions are available now.
Single tickets will go on sale on August 4.Â
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Ballet.
