Why Belmont?
As a full-time dancer with training and performance responsibilities, Nashville Ballet and Belmont University want to help prepare you for the career transition that every dancer must face.
Through a learning partnership with Nashville Ballet, Belmont University offers an
undergraduate degree program in convenient part-time evening and daytime formats
that are ideal if you are a current Company, Company Apprentice, NB2, NB2
Trainee or PD dancer who wants to pursue your academic goals while pursuing a
full-time dance career.
With your dual aspirations of dancing full-time while pursuing your undergraduate
degree, you will initially enroll as a student in Belmont University’s Adult Degree
Program (ADP), where our dedicated Nashville Ballet advisor can provide you with
the individualized flexibility and support that you will need as you prepare for your
next stage.
You will be able to:
- Pursue academic goals: Pursue your dance career with Nashville Ballet while also pursuing your academic goals at a nationally recognized university.
- Choose coursework that is easily transferable: Take general education courses that are easily transferable to other universities should you leave Nashville.
- Enjoy convenience: Attend class with locations and schedules that are compatible with rehearsal and performance schedules.
- Receive individualized advising: Receive individualized attention from an experienced advisor, including onsite advising support at Nashville Ballet.
- Discounted tuition: Benefit from a unique tuition discount of more than 60% off what traditional Belmont students pay.
- Connect to Belmont’s resources: Enjoy access to the full array of Belmont University's resources, including recreational facilities and student life center, Learning Center, tutoring assistance and Student Financial Services.
What You'll Learn
You can pursue any of the following adult degree program majors: Accounting, Architecture, Elementary Education, Education Policy, Faith & Social Justice, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, General Business, Global Leadership Studies, Interior Design, Legal Studies, Liberal Studies (self-design major), Ministry, Music Business, Public Relations Management, Social Media Management or Social Work.
Our advisor will work with you closely to select the general education requirements
of the degree, making sure that those courses are easily transferable should you decide
to leave Nashville and pursue a degree elsewhere. If you decide to stay at Belmont
University, your advisor will work with you for an easy transition
Program Details
All students are encouraged to first complete the General Education Requirements required of all Belmont degree programs (approximately half of the degree requirements), as these courses are easily transferable to other accredited universities should you leave Nashville Ballet or wish to transfer.
You will typically take one three-credit course in the Fall term, one three-credit course in the Spring term, and up to 12 credits in the Summer term for an annual total of approximately 18 credit hours.
You may exceed 18 credits or take fewer than 18 credits per year with the consent of your academic advisor.
This program is a partnership with Nashville Ballet. You must first be selected as a dancer with one of Nashville Ballet's programs (Company, NB2 or PTD) before pursuing this academic partnership at Belmont University.
The Patricia Taylor Bullard Endowed scholarship supports exceptionally gifted, full-time Nashville Ballet principal dancers who meet Belmont University’s admission requirements. The recipient receives full tuition and the cost of books through graduation, contingent upon continued eligibility.
Nashville Ballet will identify qualified candidates and recommend them to Belmont University. Staff in Belmont’s Adult Degree Program, which oversees the Nashville Ballet Learning Partnership. Will guide the candidate through the admissions process. Only one scholarship is awarded at a time.
Read about the impact of the Patricia Taylor Bullard Scholarship
Katie Vasilopoulos
Business Administration
Director of Operations, Nashville Ballet
“A ballerina’s career can be short and unpredictable. So besides having interest in attending school, it also made sense to be thinking of a future career post dancing. After more than 14 years as a professional dancer with Nashville Ballet, I was able to combine my ballet knowledge and business degree from Belmont to become a staff member at Nashville Ballet. Every staff member at Belmont went above and beyond to help me succeed, despite my non-traditional path. My advisors even traveled to the Ballet to do advising sessions during our midday rehearsal breaks. It made Nashville feel even more like home to me to have such a wonderful community at Belmont.”
Sadie Sommer
Social Work and Psychology
Research Programs Manager, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
“Receiving the Patricia Taylor Bullard Scholarship was course-altering; it was a momentous expression of faith. The ripple of the gift of education only grows with time. The scholarship meant I didn’t have to work an extra job and could attend full-time during the summer. It also meant I would graduate without debt and receive the full benefits of a college degree. These advantages set off a cascade of opportunities that led me to a graduate program and a career in which I have found new passion and reward.”
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Kim Powell
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6850
Email Kim