November 29 – December 28, 2025

Nashville’s Nutcracker

Story adaption, choreography, and direction by Paul Vasterling

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.

From its exquisite costumes and grand sets to its joyful, heartwarming spirit, Nashville’s Nutcracker is more than a performance – it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the magic of the holidays. Named Best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, and beloved by generations of Tennesseans, this festive favorite continues to capture the wonder of the season with every pirouette.

Whether it’s a treasured annual tradition or your very first time, Nashville’s Nutcracker is the perfect holiday gift to share with friends and family. Join us as we light up the stage and the season with this unforgettable holiday classic – a sparkling celebration of joy, music, and dance that only Nashville Ballet can deliver.

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.

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.