Nashville Ballet celebrates the tenth anniversary of Paul Vasterling as artistic director with a combination of new and classic dance performances. From the choreography of Balanchine to the modernism of Twyla Tharp, from the sweetness of Nutcracker to the sexy Rite of Spring, Nashville Ballet has assembled a season full of diversity.
“I hope you will enjoy watching as much as we will enjoy performing this upcoming season. I am pleased to be bringing new works and choreographers to Nashville audiences. Every performance will include one or more works featuring live music. Having live musicians elevates the fleeting quality of dance and generates a high level of energy for our audiences,” says Vasterling.
Fall Series: Valse-Fantaisie, Ballet Tango, Dracula
October 26-28, 2007
Polk Theater at TPAC
The season opens in late October with Valse-Fantaisie, a ballet from one of the giants of twentieth-century choreography, George Balanchine. The New York Times praised its “windswept pattern of pure dancing, attuned to the joyfulness of its waltz rhythms.” The second piece will be Ballet Tango, which explores the essence of one of the world’s most passionate and complex of dances. And to round out the evening, just in time for Halloween, Vasterling’s take on the classic Dracula myth.
Holiday Series: Nutcracker
December 14-16, 21-23, 2007
Jackson Hall at TPAC
It just wouldn’t be the holidays without Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker. This family classic is beloved for its story, its dancing, its magical scenery and costumes, the surprise celebrity Mother Gingers, and the joyous Tchaikovsky score. It is also accompanied by the magnificent Nashville Symphony.
Winter Series: Octet, Trois Gnossiennes, Orpheus, Rite of Spring
February 8-10, 14-16, 2008
Polk Theater at TPAC
Enjoy the company's first ballet by internationally celebrated choreographer Twyla Tharp, the Octet. Then take in the sleek, turn-of-the century Trois Gnossiennes from French composer Erik Satie with a dramatic company premiere from choreographer James Canfield. See the world premiere of Paul Vasterling’s Orpheus, and then, back by popular demand: one of Nashville Ballet’s most sizzling performances, Salvatore Aiello’s sensual interpretation of Stravinsky’s primal Rite of Spring. (For mature audiences only.)
Spring Series: Romeo & Juliet
April 25-27, 2008
Jackson Hall at TPAC
Nashville Ballet closes the season with Romeo & Juliet, a retelling of the great Shakespearean drama with unforgettable music by Russian composer Serge Prokofiev. According to The Tennessean, which called the production “enthralling,” this is one full-length classic that you will not want to miss! This ballet will accompanied by the Nashville Symphony.
An exciting addition to the season will be Emergence! This performance at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Center on November 15 and 16 is a special presentation of original dance and music… and it only happens once every two years.Three choreographers James Canfield, Thaddeus Davis, and Kimberly Ratcliffe are paired with Blair School of Music composers Michael Kurek, Michael Slayton, and Stan Link to create three exceptional new ballets.
Season Subscription Tickets and Group Sales
Season subscriptions will go on sale May 1, with packages beginning at $32 for a two ballet series. Prices range up to $177 for a premium four-show package, and a new Ballet Buddies Series has been added. Ballet Buddies’ price of $142 per person includes matinee shows to Nutcracker and Romeo & Juliet, special goodies, photo opportunities, complimentary valet parking and lunch at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel. Please call 615-297-2996 ext. 10 to order your season subscription. Discounted group sales will also be available beginning May 1.
Single Ticket Sales
Single ticket sales will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 4. Prices range from $19 to $59. All tickets will be subject to an additional $2.50 TPAC facility fee. For tickets, please call 255-ARTS.
Nashville Ballet is funded in part from grants made available through the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Ingram Charitable Trust Foundation.
