Nashville Ballet just recently announced its upcoming season – a marvelous lineup that reflects all the passion and artistry that has defined the company for more than four decades.
But you don’t have to wait until September to experience a great performance. This weekend, Nashville Ballet’s Second Company (NB2) takes the stage at Turner Theater at The Factory at Franklin for an inspiring mixed repertoire program that celebrates the future of dance.
“I look at NB2 as the heartbeat of the Ballet because this is really where all the roads intersect,” says Maria A. Konrad, an acclaimed choreographer and director of NB2 since 2023. “These dancers are involved with the School of Nashville Ballet, they do a lot of the community engagement work, and they perform in the main company productions. They’re part of what Nashville Ballet is doing right now, and yet they’re also very much a part of where we’re headed. And I think this program captures that. We’re so excited to be performing at Turner Theater, and everyone at The Factory has been super supportive in making this performance happen.”
Designed to bring dance out into the community, An Evening with Nashville Ballet 2 features six works that balance “classical elegance, contemporary innovation and bold new choreography.”
“There’s really something for everyone, whether you’re a huge dance lover or maybe a bit new to ballet,” Konrad says. “And I think there’s something very special about experiencing the ballet in such an intimate setting. It’s a lovely way for audiences to connect with the artists, and to see the work up close.”
The evening opens with a dynamic collection of short works, including Bruce Marks’ gorgeous Lark Ascending (staged by Kate Linsley), along with Travis Bradley’s Masquerade, an engaging new piece by artistic director and CEO Nick Mullikin, and a world premiere by Melissa Rector entitled Elusive. Meanwhile, the second act features a pair of story ballets – Sarah Tallman’s imaginative A Tale of Two Worlds and Konrad’s own Dear Charlie, which offers a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Chaplin.
“Bruce Marks is sort of like the LeBron James of ballet,” Konrad says. “He’s such a remarkable artist and mentor. And interestingly enough, this was Kate Linsley’s breakout role with Ballet West, so there’s a real lineage to our dancers getting to do this ballet here. It’s so magical and ethereal — just a stunning piece. Masquerade is more of a traditional, classical piece — so elegant, with amazing costumes. Nick’s piece uses classical ballet vocabulary, but sets it to modern music, which is really exciting. And we close the first act with a world premiere from Melissa Rector, who’s the assistant artistic director for the incredible Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia. She brings such a unique perspective to the program — it’s a very physical piece, with sort of an Israeli-influenced style.
“From there, we have two story ballets that showcase the evolving language of ballet,” she adds. “Sarah Tallman’s A Tale of Two Worlds has become something of a favorite here at NB2, and for good reason. It’s sort of dreamy, but also really playful. And Dear Charlie celebrates the life and times of Charlie Chaplin, and his generosity as an artist. It’s a really fun piece that uses a lot of his original music, such as “Smile.” It’s fun and upbeat, but done with sort of a modern take that highlights where we are now.”
Konrad says she will be stepping away from her role as director of NB2 at the conclusion of this season, although she will continue to collaborate with the Ballet on various projects, and will be back in Nashville to stage her vibrant Día de los Muertos at the end of October.
“It’s been such an honor working with these young dancers over the last three years,” she says. “They’re so passionate, so extraordinarily talented. And I feel like An Evening with Nashville Ballet 2 absolutely demonstrates that. I can’t wait share this program with audiences in Franklin.”
You can purchase tickets by tapping the link.