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Nashville is becoming a beautiful city for art, culture and entertainment and Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is leading the way. TPAC is redefining what it means to be a dance destination in the South. Through its intentionally curated International Dance Series, TPAC is building a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates movement in all its forms, from internationally renowned companies to homegrown Nashville talent. This summer, TPAC is wrapping up an extraordinary dance series with two final performances that promise to inspire theater lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience something unique in the city.
Our International Dance Series is a deliberate investment in the cultural life of Tennessee. It’s about more than entertainment — it’s about access, representation, and the transformative power of live performance,” said Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “We’re not just presenting dance—we’re building a community around it. Every artist we bring in, every story told through movement, is part of a larger conversation we’re creating here in Tennessee.”
Amplifying Local Voices
In addition to presenting major touring companies, TPAC also serves as an incubator for local talent, providing Nashville-based choreographers and performers with opportunities to grow and share their work on a prominent platform. Most recently, Nashville-based choreographer Banning Bouldin, founder of New Dialect, was featured as part of the dance series, highlighting TPAC’s role in nurturing homegrown talent and providing a platform for artists creating innovative work here in Tennessee. “We’re not just presenting dance. We’re cultivating a community of artists and audiences who see themselves reflected on our stages,” says TPAC President & CEO Jennifer Turner. “This is about making Nashville a place where dance thrives and where creativity lives and breathes.”
At the Intersection of Culture and Community
TPAC’s International Dance Series is not just about entertainment, it’s part of a long-term investment in cultural vibrancy. By blending international excellence with local innovation, TPAC is shaping the future of dance in Tennessee and creating a welcoming space for all who love the art of movement, or introducing those to dance who may not know their love for it quite yet. Their commitment to showcasing dance from around the globe also serves a deeper purpose: broadening access to world-class artistry without the need to leave the state. The dance series ensures Tennessee audiences are part of the national and international conversation.
“It’s about access, connection, and building something bigger than a single performance,” adds Turner. “Our dance series reflects the heart of what TPAC is all about: intentional programming that brings people together through the arts.”
The International Dance Series isn’t limited to performances. Many companies participate in artist residencies, masterclasses, school engagements, and panel discussions, deepening the impact of their visit and creating meaningful moments of exchange between artists and local audiences and students.
Upcoming Performances in the 2024-25 Dance Series – Tickets starting at only $29
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Dates: May 30–31, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Venue: Polk Theater
Experience the legacy of one of modern dance’s most influential figures. The Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to Nashville with a program that honors Taylor’s groundbreaking choreography while embracing new works under Artistic Director Michael Novak. The performance includes the definitive Taylor piece, Esplanade, set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Joffrey Ballet
Dates: June 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM; June 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM
Venue: Jackson Hall
Chicago’s renowned Joffrey Ballet presents a diverse repertoire that blends classical ballet with contemporary works.
Kids Go For Free!* Bring the whole family to enjoy the beauty and power of dance. Purchase an adult ticket and bring a child for free!
*Opening night performance only. Complimentary ticket for one child aged 6 to 17 with the purchase of one standard ticket. Limit of four (4) complimentary tickets per household.
Photo provided by: Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)
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