Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Paul Vasterling, Artistic Director
Paul Vasterling joined Nashville Ballet as a company dancer in 1988. When a back injury forced him to retire, he found work behind the scenes, instead, first as a ballet master, then as a choreographer. Finally, in 1998, he was promoted to his current position as artistic director. With 20 years—and more than 40 productions—under his belt, now seems like as good a time as any to take a break. But that isn’t exactly Vasterling’s style; rather, he says he’ll “keep the ball rolling” full speed ahead.
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Age: 56
Born and bred in the bayou: Vasterling grew up on Louisiana’s bayous in a lower-middle-class family with seven brothers and sisters. Given the financial and geographical limitations, the arts were not always a priority. Still, his mother invested in a piano, hoping that one of her children would learn to play it—Vasterling volunteered and began taking lessons. His gift for music ultimately paved the way for his career in the arts.
Artistic exploration: “When I was 16, my piano teacher realized I was losing interest. She sent me over to be in the orchestra for this community theater production … I sort of found my tribe. I started being in the shows [and] being backstage, just because I liked being there,” he says. A local choreographer took notice of his artistic abilities andoffered him a scholarship.
“When I went to ballet, it was like the sky opened up. I loved it because it was so intellectually [and] physically challenging.”
The Nutcracker: “I started taking [dance] lessons, and, of course, we did TheNutcracker,” he says. A pair of Atlanta Ballet dancers were hired on to play Sugar Plum and Cavalier, and, to this day, Vasterling has vivid memories of their standout performances. “It was life-changing to see the things they could do on stage,” he adds. Interestingly, Vasterling says Nashville Ballet’s 2008 production of The Nutcracker is one of his proudest moments as artistic director.
Rising through the ranks: Although Vasterling has always had a knack for choreography, he credits his success to his fearless personality. “I [took] an opportunity when it came to me. Even if I was afraid, I was willing to put in the time to do it,” he says. “Also, I kept an open mind. I thought of everything as a learning experience.”
Embracing change: When Vasterling first joined Nashville Ballet in the 1980s, it was just a small group of people who loved ballet. Today, “the little engine that could,” as he calls it, has evolved into a nationally recognized company with deep roots in Nashville’s growing art scene.
“I’ve worked with so many amazing musicians. There are just so many people here in Nashville that blow me away,” he says.
Pulling inspiration from his environment, Vasterling says he feels creatively free now more than ever before.