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HEATHER THORNE
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There are few stories as universally romantic, or as technically demanding, as Swan Lake. For more than a century, the ballet has captivated audiences with its tale of love tested by deception, darkness, and the hope that devotion can triumph over fate. This February, Nashville Ballet brings Paul Vasterling’s Swan Lake back to TPAC’s Jackson Hall stage for the first time since 2018, offering audiences a sweeping reminder of why this classic endures—and why Nashville Ballet continues to rival much larger national companies in both artistry and ambition.
With live music performed by the Nashville Symphony and two alternating casts across four performances the weekend of February 27, Swan Lake promises not only a visually stunning experience, but one that showcases the depth, versatility, and emotional intelligence of the company’s dancers.
“I hope people are surprised by the level of talent that this company and this organization has,” says Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin. “And then to also have incredible live music in the pit from the Nashville Symphony, those two things paired together will shock people. We sometimes take for granted that we have a world-class ballet company and a world-class symphony right here in Nashville.”
Karyn Kipley Photography
HEATHER THORNE
HEATHER THORNE
HEATHER THORNE
A Story That Never Loses Its Power
At its core, Swan Lake is a story built for timelessness. Princess Odette, cursed by an evil sorcerer to live as a swan by day, can only be freed by true love. When Prince Siegfried enters her world, romance, betrayal, and sacrifice collide in one of ballet’s most emotionally charged narratives.
“It has all the elements of a great story,” Mullikin says. “There’s love, there’s an obstacle, there’s evil, and the question of whether true love can overcome it. We all want to believe in something bigger than ourselves, something that can carry us through dark moments. Swan Lake shows us that love really can win out.”
That emotional throughline is what continues to resonate with audiences, whether they’re lifelong ballet devotees or first-time attendees. Vasterling’s choreography, inspired by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, honors tradition while allowing today’s dancers to bring their own humanity and interpretation to the stage.
One Ballet, Two Casts, Infinite Perspectives
One of the most exciting aspects of this production is the opportunity to see the ballet through different artistic lenses. Across four performances, audiences will experience two casts: Lily Saito dancing Odette/Odile opposite James Lankford as Prince Siegfried for two shows, and Colette Tilinski and Jorge Emilio Peña taking on the roles for the remaining performances.
“If people have the opportunity to see both casts, they’ll see just how versatile these artists are,” Mullikin says. “One dancer doing an incredibly challenging role in one show might be doing something completely different in another. That versatility is what ballet looks like today.”
For Saito, dancing Odette and Odile is more than a career milestone, it’s a childhood promise fulfilled.
“When I was eight years old, I watched Swan Lake in New York City and promised my mom I would dance that role one day,” she says. “I didn’t know anything back then, but now that it’s happening, I’m just really grateful.”
Lankford, meanwhile, is stepping into Prince Siegfried during his very first season with the company, an opportunity that came as both a surprise and a challenge.
“This is my first full-length, four-act ballet,” he says. “It’s exciting, but it’s also really going to push me. It’s a huge role to take on this early, and I’m ready for it.”
For Tilinski, the responsibility of Odette/Odile carries both excitement and weight. “You want to uphold the standard of Swan Lake,” she says. “It’s a full-length ballet, and Odile especially is such a big responsibility. She’s cunning, deceptive, sharp, and she gets to be fierce on stage.”
Peña agrees, noting that the role of Prince Siegfried demands a different kind of strength. “There’s a lot of partnering, a lot of pantomime, and a lot of emotional responsibility,” he says. “This ballet really takes time to build relationships between characters, and that makes it special.”
The Most Demanding Roles in Classical Ballet
From an artistic standpoint, Swan Lake is renowned for its difficulty. Odette/Odile is widely considered the most challenging role in classical ballet, requiring a single dancer to embody two dramatically opposite characters with extreme stamina, precision, and emotional range. Prince Siegfried, while less overtly flashy, is no less demanding. Requiring sustained strength, flawless partnering, and the ability to carry the ballet’s emotional arc.
“Swan Lake puts everything together into one giant experience,” Mullikin says. “These dancers are full athletes. They’re taking a 90-minute class every day, rehearsing six hours a day, five days a week, and cross-training on top of that. But what’s so incredible is that all of that physicality still allows for such subtle emotional storytelling.”
Both casts echo that sentiment. Preparation goes far beyond rehearsing steps, it’s about mental focus, visualization, and calm.
“I meditate before I go on,” Saito says. “The nerves are always there, so I try to calm my body and visualize the character.”
Tilinski adds that music plays a huge role in her preparation. “I listen to the score constantly,” she says. “It helps me get into the headspace of the character before I even step into the studio.”
A Company Defined by Community
Ask anyone involved in the production what sets Nashville Ballet apart, and the answer is consistent: community.
“This group has come together in such a powerful way,” Mullikin says. “They support one another, they believe in one another, and they push each other to be great. When you have that combination, magic happens, and we’re witnessing it right now.”
That camaraderie is evident both on and off the stage. Dancers from both casts regularly watch and cheer each other on during rehearsals and run-throughs, offering feedback, encouragement, and trust.
“When one cast is running and the other is watching, we become each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” Peña says. “We know how hard it is because we’re doing the same roles.”
Tilinski agrees. “There’s a comfort level here. We’re honest with each other because we all want the best possible result.”
A Moment Not to Miss
When asked about his favorite moment in the ballet, Mullikin doesn’t hesitate. “Act IV,” he says. “When the swan maidens come together. There’s something incredibly powerful about the corps de ballet uniting to break the curse. It’s empowering, and I hope the audience feels that too.”
It’s a fitting reflection of the company itself—united, resilient, and soaring to new heights.
As Nashville Ballet ushers in the second half of its season, Swan Lake stands as both a celebration of classical tradition and a testament to the company’s continued growth. Whether you’re returning to the enchanted lake or visiting for the first time, this production offers romance, drama, and artistry that linger long after the final curtain falls.
Performance Schedule:
- Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Swan Lake is recommended for audiences of all ages. Tickets are on sale now at www.nashvilleballet.com/swan-lake-2526.
The Nashville Ballet will host its 37th Annual Ballet Ball on March 7, 2026, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Inspired by Swan Lake, the gala will celebrate the Ballet’s 40th Season with an evening of timeless elegance and modern flair. Underwriting opportunities are now available and include access to all Ballet Ball events.
For details, visit NashvilleBallet.com/ballet-ball or email events@nashvilleballet.com.