Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Advertisement
    • Contact Us
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Advertise With Us
    • Home
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
        • Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ PSA Radio
      • Featured
    • News
      • State
      • Local
      • National/International News
      • Global
      • Business
        • Commentary
        • Finance
        • Local Business
      • Investigative Stories
        • Affordable Housing
        • DCS Investigation
        • Gentrification
    • Editorial
      • National Politics
      • Local News
      • Local Editorial
      • Political Editorial
      • Editorial Cartoons
      • Cycle of Shame
    • Community
      • History
      • Tennessee
        • Chattanooga
        • Clarksville
        • Knoxville
        • Memphis
      • Public Notices
      • Women
        • Let’s Talk with Ms. June
    • Education
      • College
        • American Baptist College
        • Belmont University
        • Fisk
        • HBCU
        • Meharry
        • MTSU
        • University of Tennessee
        • TSU
        • Vanderbilt
      • Elementary
      • High School
    • Lifestyle
      • Art
      • Auto
      • Tribune Travel
      • Entertainment
        • 5 Questions With
        • Books
        • Events
        • Film Review
        • Local Entertainment
      • Family
      • Food
        • Drinks
      • Health & Wellness
      • Home & Garden
      • Featured Books
    • Religion
      • National Religion
      • Local Religion
      • Obituaries
        • National Obituaries
        • Local Obituaries
      • Faith Commentary
    • Sports
      • MLB
        • Sounds
      • NBA
      • NCAA
      • NFL
        • Predators
        • Titans
      • NHL
      • Other Sports
      • Golf
      • Professional Sports
      • Sports Commentary
      • Metro Sports
    • Media
      • Video
      • Photo Galleries
      • Take 10
      • Trending With The Tribune
    • Classified
    • Obituaries
      • Local Obituaries
      • National Obituaries
    The Tennessee TribuneThe Tennessee Tribune
    Entertainment

    Imani Sailers Stars in Nashville Ballet’s LUCY NEGRO REDUX

    Janice MaloneBy Janice MaloneMarch 10, 2022No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram Pinterest Tumblr Reddit Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    By Janice Malone

    NASHVILLE, TN — The nationwide tour of Lucy Negro Redux kicks off in Nashville! After debuting in 2019 with three sold out performances, Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director, Paul Vasterling’s nationally acclaimed production returns to the stage (March 18 – 26) at TPAC’S POLK THEATER.

    Hailed by The New York Times as “wildly original…” This groundbreaking work explores the mysterious love life of William Shakespeare and his illustrious muses, the “Dark Lady” and the “Fair Youth.” Lucy Negro Redux is based on the book and is narrated live by Nashville poet Caroline Randall Williams and features an original score by GRAMMY Award-winning artist and MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient Rhiannon Giddens.

    Nashville Ballet’s Imani Sailers is one of two company dancers this season dancing the lead role of ‘Lucy Negro’. Ms. Sailers joined NB2 in 2017 and was promoted to company apprentice after one year. In 2018, she was named one of Pointe Magazine’s “Stars of the Corps.” After one season as a company apprentice, Sailers was promoted to company dancer in 2019. During her time at Nashville Ballet, Sailers has performed roles in Nashville’s Nutcracker, Artistic Director Paul Vasterling’s Lucy Negro Redux and Carmina Burana, Christopher Stuart’s Seven Deadly Sins, Val Caniparoli’s The Lottery, and more. She was born and raised in Chicago and began her dance training at the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center at age three. Named one of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine’s “25 Most Beautiful People” in 2019. When Imani has free time, which is rare, she enjoys teaching aspiring dancers at Rejoice School of Ballet. Here, she shares insights about her amazing career as a professional ballet dancer.

    TRIBUNE:  Congratulations on having the lead role of Lucy Negro Redux. What is it like to have such a prominent role?

    IMANI: “It’s very exciting!  It’s our second time performing it for our Nashville audiences. During the world premiere run of Lucy Negro Redux, I was the understudy for the Lucy character. I don’t know very many black ballerinas that have the opportunity to say their first principal role was created specifically for a black woman and tells a specific black story while still using the language of classical and contemporary ballet. This opportunity also allows me to able to be myself and represent my community in an authentic way.”

    TRIBUNE:  What was it like working with narrator Caroline Randall Williams and Rhiannon Giddens for the first time?

    IMANI:  “It was amazing to see these two celebrated artists in the studio working and collaborating with us. Working with them is one of the many reasons that I continue to love this organization. Nashville Ballet presents and creates such outstanding opportunities to collaborate with, learn from, and highlight artistic voices of color.  I was very inspired to see these two very strong, very talented, capable, creative black women in the studio, just really vibing off of each other, and just vibing with Paul Vasterling. Being able to be a part of the process of preparing and performing this work is a wonderful opportunity that I’m so grateful to have.”

    TRIBUNE: In 2019, you were voted by Nashville Lifestyles magazine as one of the 25 Most Beautiful People.

    IMANI: “I loved the opportunity to be a part of their list. One of the things that was so great about being a part of the article was that the magazine really made sure that all of us who were selected were honored for more than just our outer beauty. This article gave their readers a chance to learn more about us about the contributions we have made to the greater Nashville community.”

    TRIBUNE: As a ballet dancer you obviously listen to a lot of classical music. But when you’re away from the ballet, what other styles of music do you enjoy?  

    IMANI: “I’ve always loved old school R& B music. This music genre was big in my family. I also enjoy listening to Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake. My music taste spans a broad range. Most of the time when I’m in my car, I’m listening to today’s R&B and Hip-hop sounds. Sometimes, before a show, I often enjoy listening to these genres of music because it makes me feel closer to home.”

    TRIBUNE: Since you’re a professional ballet dancer, do you ever indulge in some of all the great Nashville food, such as Nashville Hot Chicken?

    IMANI: “I love trying new restaurants in Nashville! So many of our dancers certainly love the things that everyone else in Nashville loves, especially when it comes to food. So don’t be surprised to see any of us out eating some Nashville Hot Chicken.” (she laughs)

    To reserve seats for groups of 10 or more, please contact the Nashville Ballet Box Office at 615-297-2966 x710 or tickets@nashvilleballet.com

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Janice Malone

    Related Posts

    Angie Stone’s Family Sues Multiple People, Truck Company Over Fatal Van Crash

    September 17, 2025

    Twisted Sistuhs x Mansion on Mars Tour Brings Music, Wine, and Community Together

    August 26, 2025

    The Weeknd Ignites Nissan Stadium with a Night of Fire, Emotion, and Unforgettable Hits

    August 13, 2025

    Famed singing group releases new music

    August 6, 2025

    Roland Barber gives farewell concert at the Nashville Jazz Workshop

    July 25, 2025

    World class performer appears at Black Music Museum

    July 17, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Advertisement
    Business

    Own an online plant based dispensary

    September 18, 2025

    Hoplophobes Say The Strangest Things

    September 18, 2025

    Eggs Up Grill Reaches Milestone with 100th Location Now Open in Kingsport

    September 8, 2025
    1 2 3 … 387 Next
    Education
    HBCU

    Another Request for HBCUs Security

    By April RyanSeptember 18, 2025

    BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — In the wake of the credible threats against nine HBCUs on Thursday,…

    Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Campout Inspires Next Generation at Montgomery Bell

    September 18, 2025

    Federal Cuts Strip $350 Million From HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions

    September 15, 2025

    Tractor Supply Raises More Than $1 Million to Support FFA Students in Pursuing Postsecondary Studies

    September 9, 2025
    The Tennessee Tribune
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    • About Us
    • Digital Subscription
    • Store
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    © 2025 The Tennessee Tribune - Site Designed by No Regret Media.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Our Spring Sale Has Started

    You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/