Here is a listing I pull together of monthly dance happenings in the Nashville area, as a volunteer effort to help strengthen connections among local dancers and dance groups. If you would like to be added to this and be able to submit listings, click here to subscribe.
Greetings Dance Community,
Local offerings are popping up like dandelions. I’m happy to see more and more opportunities to dance and move in community that are not just for the young and skilled. I hope you can engage in some of these classes, workshops, and performances!
Online comprehensive listings are here. Instagram: follow and tag #NashvilleDanceCommunity. Facebook: www.facebook.com/nashvilledancecommunity
Amanda
April Dance Happenings
Friday Night Frolic with Amanda Cantrell Roche is a playful movement improvisation class for adults. Dancers are always welcome, and this workshop is open level with no dance training needed, so it’s a great space to bring a friend with whom you’d enjoy sharing the magic of group improv. (Note: this is not a contact improv class) Friday, April 5 6-7:30 pm at Art & Soul Studio. $20. Only three spaces left in this limited-size workshop. Click here to register.
OZ Arts Nashville celebrates a decade of Brave New Art with its 10th Anniversary Bash on Friday, April 5th from 8pm-11pm. The open-floor “art party” atmosphere offers a lively evening of community punctuated by pop-up performances from more than two dozen artists and performers who helped make OZ Arts’ first decade unforgettable. Experience a stunning new dance and light collaboration from celebrated movement collective New Dialect, a rollicking set by theatrical noir rock band Fable Cry, a glittering tribute to the disco dance floor by interdisciplinary ensemble Shackled Feet Dance, and more. Throughout the evening, DJ RAIDEN (prominent art gallerist and curator Clarence Edward) keeps the energy flowing with his impeccable playlist, and theater maven Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva serves as emcee with her signature warmth and humor. Admission is pay-what-you-want in increments of $10, with drink tickets available for admissions $50+. https://www.ozartsnashville.org/10th-anniversary-bash/
The dancers of di Mossa will be featured in the Nashville Dance Collective program April 6 and 7! Lisa has cocreated a new piece with the dancers on the process of trying to make sense of a sudden broken friendship and the prospect of a very different future. (see the NDC listing for the ticket link) Classes will continue at CPAS Tuesday/Thursday 12:30-2:00 except for the week of April 9 and 11. That week we will be at the Fisher Center preparing for Mixed Bill with Belmont University April 12 and 13. Come see the fantastically fun piece by Allison Hardee featuring Allison, Ashlyn Hall, Molly Haslag, Matthew Robinson and guest artist Asia Pyron. Tickets
Nashville Dance Collective’s Spring Split Bill is on April 6th and 7th!!! The performance will feature selected works from five choreographers in the community, as well as the premiere of So You Think You Can Cook, a longer work choreographed by NDC’s artistic director, Matthew Robinson, and performed by their dancers. The event will be open to the public and free to attend, with an option to donate if desired. Visit www.nashvilledancecollective.org/projects/springsplitbill for more information and to register for the night you wish to attend!
Nia Class With Jeannie, April 10th, Wed, 12 pm Noon, @ Coleman Park Community Center. $4. class fee; Featuring the inspiring and simple routine, Bloom! Enjoy a mind-body-spirit experience, moving to beautiful music to move your unique self. One class is scheduled so far, as a trial run, so please come out if you can to support the start of this unique dance fitness form, to life in Nashville. Please e-mail any questions or comments to : Jeanniiee@gmail.com See : https://www.facebook.com/Jeanniaa
or : https://www.instagram.com/niafitnesswithjeannie/
Join the DancEast Company for an informal showing of their latest works in progress featuring works by McKay House, Tony Perrin, and Elizabeth Wilkinson. April 11, 2024 at 12 PM • Conference Center Gallery, Downtown Nashville Public Library. This performance is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.
Witness the evocative culmination of the Enactor Productions Artist Incubator at our Final Showcase. Be moved by choreography set to stir your soul.
Featuring Local Nashville Artists Projects:
– “Another Duet” by Spencer Grady + Phylicia Roybal, Mauve Taupe
– “I have always been present with the illusion” by Lenin Fernandez + Collaborators
– “Tejas” by Sangeetha Ekambaram, Visionary Vocal Collaborative
– “Epiclesis” – a new film for “The Fire Cycle” by Clay Steakley
– “Impact” – a new section Sacral by Becca Hoback of Enactor Productions
Friday, April 12 at DancEast (805 Woodland Street #314)
7:30pm The Showcase + celebration of the Incubator’s culmination!
8:45pm Our Silent Auction – stocked with exclusive art works and local offerings
9:00pm A Private Soirée to toast to these projects after the showcases conclude
Tickets starting at $15 available via Eventbrite
Celebrating 20 years of dance at Belmont under the direction of Debbie Belue, the university presents Mixed Bill XX: Reflections April 12-13 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance, Mixed Bill XX features the Belmont University Dance Company performing repertory works created by faculty (Debbie Belue, Carrie Gerow, Allison Hardee, and Maggie Pelton). This year’s presentation also features a guest partnership with di Mossa (Ashlyn Hall, Allison Hardee, Molly Haslag, guest artist Asia Pyron, and Matthew Robinson). Tickets available now. April 12 at 7:30, and April 13 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
2 More chances to see Carte Blanche
Found Movement Group and The Forge Nashville are proud to announce an extraordinary and thought-provoking event that will revolutionize the way Nashville audiences perceive and engage with dance and art. Carte Blanche, an immersive dance performance, is set to captivate and inspire audiences.
Carte Blanche offers a unique artistic journey, allowing spectators to experience a different and ever-evolving performance with each visit. Audiences are invited to participate in the artist’s exploration of the delicate balance between art for art’s sake and art for people’s sake.
This groundbreaking dance performance is not just a show; it’s an invitation to become part of the creative process, blurring the lines between performer and observer. Carte Blanche empowers the audience to shape and influence the narrative, making each visit a one-of-a-kind experience.
Featuring a talented ensemble of dancers, Carte Blanche promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally moving spectacle that challenges conventional notions of art and entertainment.Prepare to be amazed, moved, and inspired as Carte Blanche takes you on a journey where every performance is a new masterpiece waiting to be discovered. Event Details:Date: April 13th & May 11th Time: Doors open at 7:30 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm Purchase Tickets Here
High Step Society featuring Pyroglyphics & Guests with support by The Smoking Flowers, Friday April 19th from 7pm-11:30pm at The Vinyl Lounge. Oregon’s premier electro-swing band is making their Nashville debut in this awesome collaboration with local performance troupe, Pyroglyphics! Get ready to shake your booty on the dance floor while enjoying live burlesque, sideshow, and fire performances throughout the set! The night kicks off in style with local two-piece band, The Smoking Flowers! 18+, $18 ADV/$22 DOS https://www.tixr.com/groups/vinyllounge/events/high-step-society-97838
William Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers return to the stage in Paul Vasterling’s beloved rendition of Romeo and Juliet by Nashville Ballet April 20 and 21. Inspired by one of the world’s most famous love stories, Vasterling’s Romeo and Juliet sweeps audiences away in a whirlwind of forbidden passion and swoon-worthy romance. Featuring action-packed fight scenes and lush period costumes, this timeless, full-scale theatrical production whisks audiences to the streets of fair Verona as the Bard’s famous tragedy unfolds. Click here for tickets.
April 26-28, ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER brings its unique mix of contemporary and classic movement to the TPAC stage. Marvel at their skill. Feel their passion. And connect to the heart of dance with Ailey. Different programs different nights. Click here for info and tickets.
Global Education Center presents Cripple Creek Cloggers & The Slim Chance Band Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 pm. Join us for a toe-tapping fun time of performing and teaching as we begin the wind-down of our year-long focus on The Three Roots of Appalachia: Indigenous, Black, Scots-Irish. While the dancers focus on clogging, they also give a nod to buck dancing and other traditions in Appalachia emanating out of the blend of Black, Indigenous, and Scots-Irish people.This is not just a concert! This is an immersion that is perfect for all ages. Please join us for some great family fun, all made possible with partial support from Humanities Tennessee, an Independent Affiliate of National Endowment for the Humanities. Tickets: https://form.jotform.com/212285685168061
FLOCK on Sunday April 28th at 4pm meeting up at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center entry point. Follow https://www.instagram.com/nashvillecontactimprov/ for updates.
2024 Play Series w/ Stacie Flood-Popp From Stacie: As some of you know, after leaving NSA I have been juggling where to call home while creating the Radicle. Because of this, I’m trying to focus more on playing with my craft instead of creating towards and end product. If you are interested in playing with me here is more infohttps://forms.gle/yACgTqGAQpmubSYA9
Hiking Tours at The Radicle Join us as we bring you on a guided hike through the grounds of The Radicle! In small groups you will see the land in its raw form and learn about how we are going to transform this into Nashvilles own Artist Sanctuary.
ALL HIKES ARE WEATHER PERMITTINGPlease be aware the hike will have steep climbs and rocky trails. As of right now we are not ADA accessible. Make sure to wear proper shoes and clothing that covers your skin to avoid scratches and ticks. Sign up here
The Radicle Community Interest sign up If you are interested in leaning more about The Radicle, participating in community events or advising on future events. Sign up here
Ongoing
DancEast offers weekly morning and evening classes for adults. Tuesday Evenings: Open-Level Ballet 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Open-Level Contemporary 8:05 – 9:05 PM. Morning (int/adv) classes Monday (Elizabeth Wilkinson)/Wednesday (Ballet with Andrea Roberts)/Thursday (Contemporary with Marcela de la Luna Vega) 9:30-11:00 PM. Classes are $19/class or $85 for a 5-class pack. A pro-dancer rate is available. Community Class with Lenin Fernandez, Tuesday 11:00AM – 12:00 PM – donation based (cash or Venmo). *NEW* Sassy Heels Series with Annalia Alba • Thursday April 4 – May 9 • 8:00 – 9:00 PM. Pre-registration is required. Click HERE for additional class information and registration.
Join us for an evening of connection and liberation at Inner Freedom Dance Nashville! Every Monday night, 7p – 8p embodiment class, 8p – 9:30p music and movement journey, closing circle and social tea time. No talking, no drugs/alcohol, no phones/cameras or video. Please remove your shoes at the door. Immerse yourself in a sacred space dedicated to music, movement, and communion of community. Led by a seasoned permissionary and dance facilitator with over 13 years of experience, our weekly gathering offers a conscious free-form ecstatic dance journey gently guided by intentional and curated genre-fluid music, live DJ sets, and healing live music performances. Experience the power of movement as meditation in a safe and nurturing environment, followed by a social tea time for sharing and reflection. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, all are welcome. Join us as we explore the depths of inner freedom and collective expression. Please review our guidelines and details, as your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated. Reservations $20 all access, scholarships available/limited and must be reserved in advance. https://innerfreedomnashville.yapsody.com/event/index/792725/inner-freedom-dance-nashville-weekly-medicine. April 8th, Sarah Ledbetter teaches Contact Improv class before the journey. Join newsletter: https://innerfreedomnashville.com/ Silent disco in the park coming soon!
Nashville Dance Collective will return to having open community class on April 9th! Classes are each Tuesday from 6:30-7:30 PM at TMProductions East (1015 W. Kirkland Ave, Suite #206)! All classes are free for the community with an option to donate. Teachers rotate each week, so follow @nashvilledancecollective on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date!
Folks of all skill levels and backgrounds, ages 16+, are invited to join New Dialect for a new, 13-week series of contemporary movement sessions at Centennial Performing Arts Studios, Mondays + Wednesdays from 10 – 11:30 AM, through May 29.
We’ve curated a stellar line up of dance artists to share their practice and creative process with you. Methods include contemporary forms, phrase work, guided improvisation, contact improvisation, West African, Gyrokinesis®, and more. Come connect and collaborate with members of the Nashville dance community in a warm and welcoming environment! Drop ins + class cards are purchased at the door and are valid for all CPAS morning classes year round.$10 drop in / $80 10-class card
BIPOC + seniors: $4 drop in / $30 10-class card
For more details visit newdialect.org/community-classes or email us at newdialect@newdialect.org
Nashville Contact Improvisation hosts a bi-weekly class and jam from 7-8:30 pm every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Eastwood Christian Church in the Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 6:30 pm with an opening circle at 7 pm, we ask that you please be on time. It is $10-20 sliding scale and no prior movement experience is required for the class. Please bring water and clothes that are comfortable to move in including layers that cover arms and legs. For the door code and any questions, email McKay House at mckay.house.mh@gmail.com
Ecstatic Dance Nashville is the first and third Sunday of each month, 10:30 am at Millennium Dance Complex. Click here for details.
May Save the Date
Save the date for May 3rd … di Mossa will be a part of the Pydance showing at CPAS!
This is a gathering of events I am aware of, submitted by those on the email list, and by no means represents all that is going on in the Middle TN area. I provide it as a volunteer service to the local dance community as part of an effort to help us stay connected and support each other by raising awareness of local dance performances, workshops and events, and rely on those on the list serve to submit the listings.