Meet the Star of Nashville Ballet’s Nutcracker
Colette Tilinski shares her journey from childhood Nutcracker dreams to starring as the Sugar Plum Fairy in one of Nashville's favorite holiday traditions. Image: Lydia McRae Photography
When the first performance of The Nutcracker begins, Christmas officially kicks off in Nashville. And that includes the magic of watching Colette Tilinski float onstage as the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Atlanta native has become one of the shining stars of Nashville Ballet’s holiday tradition, bringing technical brilliance and genuine joy to her iconic role. From her earliest memory of dreaming about that sparkling tutu to leading full-length ballets, Colette’s journey is as inspiring as it is festive. Get to know this talented FACE of Nashville!
What’s your very first memory of being inspired by dance?
I’m originally from Atlanta, GA, and I started taking ballet when I was about 4 or 5 years old. I don’t remember much from that time, but my nanny, who was a ballet dancer and teacher, used to bring me to watch her classes. So dance was part of my life from the very beginning. My earliest clear memory of being inspired by dance was seeing The Nutcracker performed by Atlanta Ballet. While watching the Sugar Plum Fairy, I remember thinking, “I want to wear that tutu!”
What lessons from your early years of training still influence today?
Ms. Maniya Barredo’s mentorship at Metropolitan Ballet Theatre shaped the way I approach my professional career. She holds her students to incredibly high standards, which instilled a strong work ethic in me from an early age. One of the most valuable lessons I learned at MBT is there is always more to learn and room to grow. I’ve carried that student mindset with me throughout my career, and I believe it’s a big part of why I’ve been able to achieve all I have in my career thus far.
Thinking back to when you joined the Nashville Ballet in 2017, what stands out most about your transition from student to professional dancer?
The learning curve! I joined Nashville Ballet at 18, and it was my first experience working alongside a professional company. I remember feeling both intimidated and incredibly inspired by the company dancers around me. The biggest change from my years as a student to being a professional has been the confidence and maturity in my dancing.
As students, we focus on executing steps correctly, but as professionals, we take that technical foundation and use it as a language to tell stories. Of course, there’s always room to improve technically, but my focus has shifted toward what I want to convey to the audience.
Is there a role or performance that felt like a turning point in your career?
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to perform Aurora in the full-length ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. It was my first principal role in a full-length production, which felt like a major milestone in my professional career. It challenged me to combine technical precision, stamina, and artistry on a whole new level. It pushed me to grow as a dancer, but then also gave me confidence in my ability to lead a ballet.
My favorite role, and one of my most special performances, is the “Russian Girl” in George Balanchine’s Serenade. Serenade is iconic and has always been a bucket-list ballet for me … the music is breathtaking, and the choreography feels perfectly paired with it. I felt the choreography highlighted my strengths (jumping, turning, and quick/precise movement). I felt like I could really let go and enjoy my time on stage.
You’ve played the Snow Queen, and now, you’re playing the Sugar Plum Fairy. How do you prepare for the challenge of bringing such iconic roles to life?
The Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen are both technically demanding, but the real challenge is making it look effortless on stage. Mentally, I focus on confidence and my ability to do the work. Having performed these roles for several years, I try to bring fresh energy and build on what I learned in the previous season. This could be adding more artistic depth or refining technical details.
Physically, these roles demand stamina and strength. We start rehearsal weeks before the show, so we have time to ramp up our stamina as the performances get closer (similar to a race or marathon). Offstage, I prioritize rest, cross-training in the gym, and taking yoga classes to strengthen supporting muscles.
I utilize our physical therapists and massage therapists as much as possible to keep my body feeling in tip-top shape! Beyond the physical and technical preparation, I try to carry the joy of The Nutcracker into every performance, so that the magic of these iconic roles comes to life.
You’re also pursuing a degree in business at Belmont. How does that complement your career as a professional dancer?
I am currently a senior at Belmont, planning to graduate in May of 2026! Pursuing a degree in business has complemented my ballet career in so many ways. As a professional dancer, I’m involved in rehearsals that require organization, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving.
I believe I have been able to improve upon these skills in the studio thanks to the business principles I am learning at Belmont. My studies have helped me have a better understanding of the operational and financial side of the arts, which has made me appreciate the incredible work of Nashville Ballet’s administrative team.
Ballet requires a great deal of discipline and focus. What do you do outside of the studio to practice self-care?
I love to practice vinyasa yoga. It has proved to be the best supplement to my dancing, while also acting as a tool to unwind and relax. I also have two black cats that I love to come home to!
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I’m actually an introvert. Because I perform on stage, some people assume I’m naturally outgoing. I really value quiet moments and time to recharge. I think this is true about many ballet dancers and performers!
Something that might surprise people about being a dancer is how much of the job is mental. Of course, it’s physically demanding, but so much of our work is about focus and mental resilience under the pressure of performance.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My teacher Maniya Barredo tells me, “Enjoy the journey.” The ballet career has ups and downs, and the moments of failure are often the greatest opportunities to grow and learn. As a young dancer, I was eager for everything to happen right away — the job, the role, and the success.
Over time, I’ve learned growth takes patience, and the lessons learned shape you into the person you’re meant to become. Embracing the journey has helped me find joy in the work itself, not just the outcome.
We always ask: Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
I couldn’t live without music, movement, and nature. I always like to have music playing; it helps me unwind, reset, and let go at the end of the day. Movement, whether it’s ballet, yoga, or just going for a walk, keeps me grounded. When I am not in the studio or at home studying, I love to be outside in nature. Being outside helps me recharge and find calm amid the busyness of life.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Favorite Christmas tradition? Performing in Nashville’s Nutcracker every year! Outside of ballet, one of my favorite family traditions growing up was making homemade ravioli together on Christmas Eve.
Most memorable recent meal in Nashville? Margot Café in East Nashville. My girlfriends and I treated ourselves to shared plates and their flourless chocolate cake … yum! We love that the menu changes daily, and the service was wonderful.
What’s on your bedside table? My Kindle and a vintage jewelry box my friend gifted me from Paris.
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For more inspiring stories, visit our FACES archives!
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.