Attitude

Nashville Ballet brings Attitude to the Polk Theater from Friday, May 7, through Sunday, May 9, 2027. It's the company's annual series devoted to cutting-edge contemporary ballet, and it closes out their 2026-27 season. The bill gathers three works: a world premiere by choreographer Marika Brussel, the Tennessee premiere of Ulysses Dove's Red Angels, and the return of Nick Mullikin's Erase the Night.

Brussel's piece is a world premiere created specifically for the company. She's an internationally renowned choreographer known for work that challenges social norms and evokes strong emotions. Red Angels is the Tennessee premiere, performed by the company for the first time. It's set to music by Richard Einhorn, with costumes by Holly Hynes and lighting by Mark Stanley. Erase the Night is a deeply personal piece by Nick Mullikin, with music by Jordan Lehning and Courtney Marie Andrews and scenic design by Mark Halpin.

Attitude arrives on the back of three standing ovation performances in 2025. The company frames the whole season as a commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation, and this program sits right at that intersection. One thing to keep in mind: there are scenes depicting alcohol use and addiction.

There are four performances over the weekend: Friday, May 7, at 7:30 PM; Saturday, May 8, at 2 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, May 9, at 2 PM. Tickets run from $54.15 to $104.75, and the show is at the Polk Theater, part of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center at 515 Deaderick St.