Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has awakened audiences to an exciting new genre with their singular approach to reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. Armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of 16 stunning dancers, Complexions has been hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer and “game changing” by London’s The Guardian.

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Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

A captivating blend of romance, tragedy, and transformation, this timeless masterpiece, Swan Lake returns with Paul Vasterling’s interpretation set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, performed live by The Nashville Symphony. With elegant choreography and sweeping visuals that bring the enchanted world to life, it’s a breathtaking experience for both devoted ballet fans and first-time audiences. Let love, fate, and magic unfold in one of the most beloved productions of the season.

Swan Lake

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on its next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades, including the touchstone of inspiration Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy. Ailey will continue to break ground with new works by contemporary choreographers that promise to propel dance in exhilarating new directions—pushing the bounds of what the human body can do and what the human spirit can achieve.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Make Nashville’s Nutcracker part of your holiday tradition! This Emmy Award-winning production, choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling, brings the magic of the season to life with stunning sets and costumes, original choreography, and live music by The Nashville Symphony.

Nashville's Nutcracker

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ_ZQW5C2pw&amp;t=2s

The Artelize Podcast Presenting Will Shutes: 'Bring it down out of the clouds to human being level'

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFe6mW6x9pc

The Artelize Podcast: 'Amplifying What Makes Us Human'. A conversation with Zuly E. Inirio

Podcast link: https://youtu.be/4hagYvrYbuM

The Artelize Podcast and Kasper Holten - Pedefining Opera for the modern world

Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36M5Hi6O80

The Artelize Podcast - A legacy of innovation in Opera: Celebrating Marc A. Scorca

Recognized for their “commitment to the legacy and the here-and-now of American dance” (Chicago Reader), Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has been a pioneering force in contemporary dance for 48 years. Guided by a mission to awaken the human spirit through movement, the company is known for its bold, ever-evolving repertory and dedication to making dance relevant and accessible to all.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

Internationally renowned, Chicago-based ballet company, THE JOFFREY BALLET presents a unique repertoire that encompasses masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works of today, featuring modern re-envisionings of classic fairy tales, symphonic poems transformed to dance, and performances set to contemporary symphonies.

The Joffrey Ballet

The PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY, a leading innovator in modern dance, is known for its vast repertory, featuring works from its founder, new pieces by contemporary choreographers, and significant historical dances. Under Michael Novak's direction, the Company tours annually, sharing modern dance with a broad audience domestically and internationally.

Paul Taylor Dance Company

Known for its groundbreaking choreography, original music, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, Nashville Ballet’s Attitude program returns to TPAC February 9–11, 2024. Featuring three world premiere works by fan-favorite and flourishing choreographers, this compelling sampling of contemporary movement will include pieces by Resident Choreographer Mollie Sansone, Jermaine Spivey, and Yusha-Marie Sorzano set to music performed live by local Nashville musicians.

Attitude

Step into the shadows and follow the clues with Sherlock, the electrifying finale of our annual Attitude series. Acclaimed choreographer Penny Saunders returns with a bold, cinematic take on the legendary detective, brought to life through evocative choreography, original design, and nostalgic 1940s radio broadcasts. This thrilling co-production is paired with two compelling contemporary works, Donald Byrd’s Wake the Neighbors and Maria Konrad’s DEA, completing an evening of mystery, movement, and modern ballet mastery.

Sherlock

After premiering Off-Broadway last season, ‘A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ returns to stages across the USA in 2025, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation.

A Taste of Ireland

Founded in 1952 by dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández, BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO DE AMALIA HERNÁNDEZ brings together the music, dance, and costume of Mexican folklore from pre-Colombian civilizations to the modern era. The Ballet is permanently in residence at the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City and has choreographed more than 120 ballets. It is comprised of 60 folk dancers and musicians who perform extensively across Mexico and abroad.

Ballet Folklórico de México

Step into a world of enchantment with Nashville Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty. This timeless classic comes to life in a dazzling production that combines Tchaikovsky's beautiful music, with the story's beloved characters and themes of love, triumph, and the battle between good and evil. Experience the magic of Princess Aurora's journey, from her cursed slumber to the awakening kiss, in a performance that celebrates the power of true love with music by The Nashville Symphony. This timeless tale, perfect for audiences of all ages, is sure to captivate hearts and inspire dreams.

The Sleeping Beauty

Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! is the world’s leading authority on the artform of stepping. Under Mr. Williams’ leadership, stepping has evolved into one of America’s cultural exports, touring more than 60 countries across the globe and ranking as one of the top 10 African American Dance Companies in the US.

Step Afrika!

The MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY has been a leader in the evolving art form of modern dance since its founding in 1926. It is both the oldest dance company in the United States and the oldest integrated dance company. During its 90-year history, the Company has received acclaim from audiences and critics in more than 50 countries. Today, it is embracing a new programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists.

Martha Graham Dance Company

With explosive energy and jolting precision, seven of the city's most intensely physical performers channel the post-punk fury and passion of a young generation at a boiling point in choreographer Asia Pyron's high-velocity work set to the epic music of cult rock band Chat Pile.

PYDANCE: God's Country

Embark on a magical journey this holiday season with Paul Vasterling’s Nashville’s Nutcracker, a cherished tradition that brings together history, magic, and dance. Winner of a 2020 Emmy Award-winning film and named the best Dance Production of 2022 by Broadway World Nashville, this is Nashville’s can’t-miss holiday event. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant city, this performance invites audiences of all ages to revel in the splendor of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s kingdom, the fierceness of the Mouse King, and the timeless adventure of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Experience the joy and wonder of this classic tale reimagined, capturing the heart and spirit of Nashville with live music by The Nashville Symphony. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, and storytelling that embodies the magic of the holidays.

Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker

Experience the mesmerizing blend of horror and elegance as the Nashville Ballet presents "Dracula" at the James K. Polk Theater from October 3-7, 2024. This fall, immerse yourself in a captivating double bill that pairs the dark, passionate world of "Dracula" with the serene beauty of George Balanchine's "Serenade." Set against a Gothic backdrop, "Dracula" tells a tale of love, lust, and eternal desire, while "Serenade," danced to Tchaikovsky's haunting "Serenade for Strings in C" performed live by The Nashville Symphony, showcases the beauty of classical ballet. Tickets start at $50, with single tickets going on sale August 5, 2024, at 10 AM. Don't miss this unforgettable blend of thrilling narrative and exquisite dance. For more information, visit TPAC's Ticketing Info page and ensure your experience is seamless by reviewing TPAC's patron entry protocols.

Dracula

The Look of Love is a production of the Mark Morris Dance Group; BAM; BroadStage, Santa Monica; Cal Performances, UC Berkeley; The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University; Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth; and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in association with Arizona Arts Live, University of Arizona; Harriman-Jewell Series; The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Modlin Center for the Arts at University of Richmond; Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech; Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Center for the Arts; Tennessee Performing Arts Center; UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures; and Virginia Arts Festival.

The Look of Love

Nashville Ballet’s immersive dance program, Live in Studio A, returns by popular demand! Designed to give audiences an up-close look at the beauty and athleticism of dance, this year’s Live in Studio A production will feature five brand-new works by Nashville Ballet artists both past and present, including Julia Eisen, Aeron Buchanan, Anneliese Guerin, and Imani Sailers, plus a world premiere by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin!

Live in Studio A: 5 Short Stories

The Martin Center

“Nothing prepares you for the totality of Alvin Ailey: the aural, visual, physical, spiritual beauty…Heaven…Everywhere you looked: sensory pleasure…,” says Zadie Smith of The New York Times.   Experience America’s most popular dance company when ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the stage. Marvel at their skill. Feel their passion. And connect to the heart of dance with Ailey. Designated “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” by the U.S. Congress, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents since the company’s founding in 1958. Led by Artistic Director Robert Battle, Ailey’s performances celebrate the human spirit through the African American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. The renowned company returns to present new works and Ailey’s iconic ballet Revelations.

Ballet & Dance events in Nashville, TN

Complexions Contemporary ...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Swan Lake

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Alvin Ailey American Danc...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Nashville's Nutcracker

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The Artelize Podcast Pres...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: 'Am...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

Hubbard Street Dance Chic...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The Joffrey Ballet

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Paul Taylor Dance Company...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Attitude

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Sherlock

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

A Taste of Ireland

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Ballet Folklórico de Méxi...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The Sleeping Beauty

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Step Afrika!

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Martha Graham Dance Compa...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

PYDANCE: God's Country

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Nashville Ballet's Nutcra...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Dracula

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

The Look of Love

Mark Morris Dance Group

Live in Studio A: 5 Short...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Alvin Ailey American Danc...

Tennessee Performing Arts Center