Nashville Ballet brings the show to fans with digital performances

NASHVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Originally scheduled for May 14-17, Nashville Ballet’s performance of “Emergence” was cancelled to comply with CDC recommendations concerning the spread of COVID-19.

Instead, four of the eight choreographers originally tapped for the workshop will present new digital works as part of a new weekly series, “Saturday Night With Nashville Ballet,” which begins May 15-17.

Resident choreographer Chistopher Stuart, Company artists Julia Eisen, Molly Sansone and Gerald Watson have all created new work for the project. Artistic Director Paul Vasterling and Associate Director Nick Mullikin will also present new digital pieces.

Each work was create while the choreographers we socially distancing and, while exact themes may vary, reflect on the unique times in which we find ourselves.

Nashville Ballet’s popular choreographic workshop has been the starting point for impressive mainstage productions including Jennifer Archibald’s Superstitions, Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s Something Wicked, and And Legions Will Rise by Brian Enos. What’s more, Emergence has been lauded in past seasons as a production that “exudes artistic expression and individuality.” (Broadway World, 2017)

“Emergence is typically used to give artists the chance to push themselves, to exist outside of their comfort zones, and try things they’ve never done before,” said Nashville Ballet representative Sierra Smith. “Dealing with the effects of coronavirus has made adopting the spirit of Emergence a necessity, not just for this production, but to ensure that art continues to entertain, to educate, and to inspire during a time in which traditional performances are not presently permissible.”

“This digital version is directly indicative of the strength, flexibility, and resiliency that is synonymous with a ballet dancer and is equally reflective of Nashville Ballet’s mission to provide Middle Tennessee and beyond with accessible opportunities to experience the
transformative power of dance,” she continued.

Emergence will premiere on Nashville Ballet’s YouTube channel at 5 p.m. CDT on May 15, 2020. To subscribe to Nashville Ballet’s free weekly digital content series, Saturday Night with Nashville Ballet, click here.