Nashville Ballet Will Perform Día de los Muertos Show
The production launches on October 28 to celebrate the lives of the deceased and the local Hispanic community.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hispanic
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The Nashville Ballet will debut a special performance honoring Día de los Muertos on October 28. This cultural event coincides with local celebrations held at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Why it matters
The performance serves to honor the traditions of the Hispanic community in Nashville while celebrating the lives of the deceased. It highlights the cultural contributions of local artists and artisans to the city's identity.
Nashville is home to 2,100 Hispanic business owners and a community where 14% of residents identify as Hispanic. Additionally, the Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America organization maintains more than 97 local members.
The players
Nashville Ballet
This is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee that produces both classical and contemporary dance works.
Rachel Rodriguez
She is a local musician who works with more than 200 children weekly through bilingual education projects.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
This historic Nashville property functions as a botanical garden and art museum hosting cultural events throughout the year.
Rubi Rodriguez
She is a dance instructor from Danza Azteca Ollin Quetzalli who provided training in folkloric steps for the performance.
The details
Dancers from the Plaza Mariachi Baila Dance Studio will participate in the opening night show, having learned folkloric steps from Rubi Rodriguez of Danza Azteca Ollin Quetzalli. The production features costumes crafted by artisans in Mexico using traditional perforated paper designs known as papel picado.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: Rachel Rodriguez releases her new album, My Vida.
October 28, 2026: The Nashville Ballet performance series begins.
October 28, 2026: Día de los Muertos celebrations commence at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
Culture Shift
This performance mirrors the ongoing growth and cultural influence of the Hispanic population in Nashville. The integration of traditional artistry into mainstream stage productions reflects a broader trend of cultural inclusion within the city's arts sector.
Residents interested in the performance can plan for attendance starting October 28 at the ballet venue. Those looking to engage further with the holiday can also visit the concurrent celebrations hosted at the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
The takeaway
Día de los Muertos represents a significant moment for the city to embrace diverse traditions and artistic craftsmanship. Engaging with these local performances supports the preservation of cultural practices within the community.
Further reading
Discover more about the community at Nashville Hispanic.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Tennessean.
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