The MCR Interview: Nick Mullikin and Travis Bradley
Nashville Ballet’s 40th Season Brings Elvis Presley, Sherlock Holmes, and Local History to the Stage
Nashville Ballet launches its landmark 40th Anniversary Season with a bold mix of tradition, innovation, and local storytelling. In this interview with Audrey Conley of Music City Review, Artistic Director and CEO Nick Mullikin and choreographer Travis Bradley shared their vision for the work and for a season designed to move audiences and expand the boundaries of ballet.
At the heart of the season is a groundbreaking new work, If I Can Dream, choreographed by Bradley and set to the music of Elvis Presley. “When Travis hears music, he hears it differently than most of us,” Mullikin explained. “He takes what could be surface-level pop music and dives deep, pulling out emotion in a way I’ve never seen. It’s thrilling to see Elvis’s songs brought to life in such a unique and special way.”
Bradley described the process of working with Presley’s vast catalog of more than 700 songs. “It was overwhelming at first. I tried to nod to each era of Elvis’s career,” he said. The piece incorporates a variety of footwear — from bare feet to pointe shoes — to reflect the changing moods of the music. Costumes feature a striking blue palette inspired by blues music and Memphis, contrasted with an all-white costume for Elvis himself, drawn from a famous photograph taken at Graceland. “For me, choreography has to stay alive,” Bradley added. “I want dancers to be authentic and bring their own interpretations. That’s what makes Elvis’s music feel new again.”
The season also features Nashville’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, which Mullikin calls “Nashville’s Nutcracker.” Unlike traditional versions, this production ties directly into local history. Audiences are transported back to 1897, beginning with an ice-skating scene at Shelby Bottoms, then into the Belmont Mansion, and finally the Parthenon gardens at Centennial Park. “It’s a way for families to celebrate the holidays and also learn about the history of the city,” Mullikin noted.
Another highlight is Sherlock, a contemporary reimagining of the legendary detective choreographed by Penny Saunders. This production is a rare three-company collaboration, created jointly by Nashville Ballet, Ballet Idaho, and Grand Rapids Ballet. “It’s a chance to spin ballet on its head while telling a familiar story,” Mullikin said. “What makes it exciting is that the dancers from across the country had a voice in the creation process, giving the work a collaborative spirit that’s unusual in ballet.”
Throughout the season, Nashville Ballet continues its collaboration with the Nashville Symphony, which will perform live for If I Can Dream, The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake.
With its blend of classical masterpieces, local storytelling, and bold new works, Nashville Ballet’s 40th season offers something for everyone. “It’s important to us that we tell stories that help people feel something,” said Mullikin. “This season does exactly that.”
The video of the interview is below:
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Audrey Rose Conley is a sociology student at MTSU with a passion for exploring the transformative power of dance. Her research delves into how dance can challenge social norms, promote individual empowerment, and foster social change. As a rapper and singer, she uses her artistic voice to express these themes and inspire others to embrace their authentic creativity.
