Dance

Welcome to NSA's Dance Conservatory

The Dance Conservatory provides students with classical ballet and modern training, essential for continued growth in college conservatory-based schools and professional careers in dance. Dancers will also study anatomy, dance history, terminology, jazz dance, hip hop, tap, aerial, musical theater, choreography, and improvisation.

Guest instructors frequently work with students during classes and after school to provide additional training and perspectives. NSA dancers have trained with Shabaz Ujima, Denise Eason, Rebekah Barger, Chaz Ryan, Samuel Roberts, Banning Boulden, Stacie Flood-Popp and Erica Sobol, among other guest artists. We also offer the opportunity to learn iconic repertory from renowned icons such as Martha Graham and Robert Battle. Dancers have opportunities to take additional classes through scholarships offered through the Ripple Effect during their winter and summer intensives. 

The dance conservatory collaborates with Middle Tennessee State University, Fall Contemporary/Aerial Dance Company, Africa Nashville, TPAC, and Nashville Ballet. We annually attend the National High School Dance Festival, where our students have been invited to perform and have received acceptance and scholarships to summer and collegiate programs, including University of the Arts, Point Park University, Rutgers University, New World School of the Arts, The Hartt School, American Dance Festival, and Joffrey.

There are many opportunities for students to perform in community events and at school. Some of the most memorable include dancing Sleeping Beauty at the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony and dancing with musical artist Andrew McMahon at Bonnaroo. Dancers from NSA have continued to train at the university level and conservatory programs. They can be seen in professional ballet and modern dance companies, on Broadway, in music videos, choreographing, and teaching.

Dance Audition Requirements

All students must fill out an application in order to audition at NSA. If you have filled out the application through the school options process during the district open enrollment period (Tuesday following MLK through the next three weeks), you will receive a link within 24-48 hours to schedule your in-person audition on Saturday, February 7. Please check your spam folder if you don’t receive and email, and then contact the main office.

If you are applying after the open enrollment period, you will need to reach out to the conservatory director to schedule it for another day at their availability.

Day of Audition and Interview

Arrive early, dress appropriately (Black leotard/black tights for girls and white T-Shirt/black tights or pants for boys). Please bring ballet shoes if you already have them. The audition will be an assessment on alignment, coordination, and musicality. We will be watching for students who can retain information and apply corrections quickly. The students will need to articulate strengthening exercises, a ballet bar, an improv exercise, and learn a modern technique combination. Be prepared to discuss why you would like to come to NSA, your dance & academic goals, and what positive qualities you have to offer NSA. 

A Dance audition video is required only if you are unable to attend the in-person audition. 

How to Submit Your Video

• Send your video with the subject line - NSA DANCE AUDITION 2026 (Your Name) to Tyler Gilstrap. 
• Please do not send large file sizes. You may send your video via a YouTube or Vimeo link.
• Please make sure you have given permission and/or sent the password to view the video.

Video Guidelines

• Dance videos must be filmed with camera in landscape mode, or horizontally and show the entire body.
• Dancers should be in appropriate dancewear.
• No legwarmers, sweats, or baggy clothing.
• Hair should be pulled away from the face and secured.

Components of Video Submissions

A. INTRODUCE YOURSELF

• Tell us your name, grade, and current school.
• Are you applying to any other conservatory?
• If so, which one?
• Is dance your first choice?
• What are your goals in dance?
• What experience have you had in dance?
• Are you involved in extracurricular activities, dance, or sports? If so, tell us the school and group.

B. CREATE A VIDEO DEMONSTRATING YOUR BALANCE, FLEXIBILITY, AND STRENGTH

THIS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

• straddle
• split (both sides)
• 15 push-ups
• 4 grand plié in 1st and 2nd positions
• 4 tendu in all directions (both legs) standing flat back position (folding from the hips)
• skips
• chasses
• leaps
• any turns you can perform other skills you would like us to see

C. PERFORM A 1-2 MINUTE SOLO WITH MUSIC

• Solo can be in any style of movement. Show us who you are as a mover/dance artist.
• You should be the only person in the video
• Choreography can be your own or that of a friend, teacher, or choreographer

Contact Us

Tyler Gilstrap, Conservatory Director