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Nashville Ballet

Young Men's Scholarship Program

About the Young Men’s Scholarship Program

Male and female dancers require different skills to perform different roles, so why should their training be exactly the same? Nashville Ballet’s Young Men’s Scholarship Program (YMSP) offers specialized training for young men, tailored to their unique needs and taught by men. Working together, male dancers push themselves and each other in a supportive environment that centers on athleticism, strength, camaraderie, and discipline.

The curriculum mirrors elements of the Academy Division, but with a special emphasis on developing specific male techniques and addressing the unique challenges that face young men. Students will not only grow into confident young artists inside the studio, but strong men of character outside the studio as they learn respect, self-expression, and team-building skills.

Nick Mullikin
Artistic Director & CEO

Jon Upleger
Former Company Dancer and Ballet Master

Judson Veach
Former Company Dancer

Gerald Watson
Former Company Dancer

2026-2027 School Year

August 17, 2026 - May 8, 2027

All students receive one full academic year of tuition-FREE training, followed by merit-based scholarships.

YMSP I

Recommended for dancers with 1-2 years of experience

In conjunction with one Academy class per week, this male-specific class keeps students engaged and focused while introducing them to School of Nashville Ballet class structure.

To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.

Meets 1x per week.

Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.


Dancers will:

  • Receive an introduction to barre work
  • Learn ballet vocabulary and definitions
  • Develop strength and flexibility to properly engage turnout and execute fundamental positions
  • Combine coordination-specific movement patterns
  • Incorporate musicality with movement 

YMSP II

Recommended for dancers with 2-3 Years of experience

This class teaches young men within the full School of Nashville Ballet class structure while using innovative approaches to keeping students engaged and invested. There is an emphasis working together as a unit and instilling a sense of respect for themselves, others, and the art form.

To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.

Meets 1x per week.

Fridays from 7-8 p.m.


Dancers will:

  • Learn to master basic placement and positioning
  • Add more advanced ballet vocabulary and definitions
  • Incorporate port de bra and épaulement within movement patterns to challenge coordination
  • Focus on male-specific movement, including preparations and timing 

YMSP III

Recommended for dancers with 3+ Years of experience

This class builds a strong and clean technical foundation while developing an understanding of male-specific movement with an eye towards the demands of male classical ballet variations. 

To enroll, please call 615-297-2966 x910.

Meets 2x per week.

Saturdays from 10:15-11 a.m.

Saturdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m.


Dancers will:

  • Continue to refine technical and artistic abilities 
  • Conceptualize male-specific movement to apply it to classical male variations
  • Emphasize artistic development within a nurturing and supportive space
  • Become self-aware and use critical thinking when applying corrections
  • Use performance opportunities to gain invaluable experience and confidence on stage