Nashville Ballet Presents 'Swan Lake' in February-March

The iconic classical ballet returns to the stage with a full-length production and live orchestra.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Nashville Ballet will bring 'Swan Lake,' one of the most iconic works in classical ballet, back to the stage for the first time since 2018 with a full-length production February 27 - March 1, 2026, at Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Jackson Hall. Performed live to Tchaikovsky's score by The Nashville Symphony, the production marks a major artistic moment for the company and its dancers.

Why it matters

As Nashville's resident professional ballet company, Nashville Ballet delivers a level of craftsmanship, musicality and theatrical grandeur that defines true classical performance. The return of 'Swan Lake' highlights the company's rise as a nationally recognized troupe delivering productions of remarkable scale and artistic ambition.

The details

Choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus Paul Vasterling and inspired by the original works of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, 'Swan Lake' tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a Swan Queen cursed by an evil sorcerer. The ballet explores themes of love, deception and redemption through some of the most demanding and emotionally complex roles in classical dance. This production will feature principal role debuts by four dancers in the iconic roles of Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried.

  • The performances will be held on Friday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
  • Nashville Ballet will host its 37th Annual Ballet Ball, a fundraising gala, on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The players

Nashville Ballet

Nashville's premier and most authentic home for classical ballet, bringing 'Swan Lake' to the stage with unmatched authority and artistic distinction.

Paul Vasterling

Artistic Director Emeritus of Nashville Ballet, who choreographed this production of 'Swan Lake' inspired by the original works of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.

Lily Saito

A dancer who will make her principal role debut as Odette/Odile in this production of 'Swan Lake'.

Colette Tilinski

A dancer who will make her principal role debut as Odette/Odile in this production of 'Swan Lake'.

James Lankford

A dancer who will make his principal role debut as Prince Siegfried in this production of 'Swan Lake'.

Jorge Emilio Peña

A dancer who will make his principal role debut as Prince Siegfried in this production of 'Swan Lake'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Swan Lake' holds a special place in the classical canon and in Nashville Ballet's history. This production honors the tradition audiences expect while showcasing the power, athleticism and emotional clarity of today's dancers in roles that define a classical career.”

— Nick Mullikin, Artistic Director & CEO of Nashville Ballet (pridepublishinggroup.com)

What’s next

Tickets for the 'Swan Lake' performances start at $54 and are on sale now at: www.nashvilleballet.com/swan-lake-2526.

The takeaway

Nashville Ballet's production of 'Swan Lake' highlights the company's rise as a nationally recognized troupe delivering classical ballet performances of remarkable scale and artistic ambition, showcasing the power and emotional range of its dancers in some of the most iconic roles in the ballet canon.