Business Details
19 Years
experience
Charlottesville Ballet: Elevating Dance Through Artistry & Community
Founded in 2007 with a unique mission centered on dancer wellness, Charlottesville Ballet stands as the only full-time professional dance company in the Charlottesville area. Co-Founders Sara Clayborne and Emily Hartka prioritize elevating professional ballet through a healthy, inclusive environment for artists. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Resident Dance Company at the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg, VA, we blend world-class artistry with community engagement. Our professional company features dancers from diverse backgrounds, celebrating all body types without rigid physical aesthetics. The Charlottesville Ballet Academy (CBA), established in 2011, provides accessible dance education for ages 1.5 through adulthood, offering performance opportunities alongside the professional company.Our Trainee Program supports dancers transitioning from advanced students to professionals. Through CB Moves, we deliver free community programs like Chance To Dance, Adaptive Dance, Movement For Parkinsons, and Once Upon A Ballet, promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Our core valueswell-being, inclusivity, accessibility, and innovationguide our mission to elevate dance through performance, education, and outreach. We present eclectic live performances, sensory-friendly shows, and annual productions like The Nutcracker across Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Central Virginia, collaborating with local artists and organizations to enrich our community.
Services
Professional Ballet Company
Dance Academy
Trainee Program
CB Moves
Chance To Dance
Adaptive Dance
Movement For Parkinsons
Once Upon A Ballet
Sensory-Friendly Shows
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We prioritize dancer wellness and healthy working environments since 2007.
- We are the only full-time professional ballet company in Charlottesville.
- We celebrate all body types with no rigid physical aesthetic requirements.
- Our CB Moves programs provide free dance access to underserved communities.
- We are Resident Dance Company at the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg.
Services
Professional Ballet Company
Our professional ballet company features artists from across the U.S. and globally, celebrating diverse body types without rigid physical standards. We present eclectic live performances, including annual productions like The Nutcracker, sensory-friendly shows, and collaborative events across Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Central Virginia. These performances emphasize innovation, community engagement, and the elevation of dance as an accessible art form.
Dance Academy
Charlottesville Ballet Academy (CBA) offers nonprofit dance education for ages 1.5 through adulthood, serving all skill levels in various genres. Established in 2011, CBA provides performance opportunities alongside the professional company, fostering skill development and artistic growth. Our programs emphasize inclusivity, accessibility, and personalized training to nurture the next generation of dancers.
CB Moves
CB Moves delivers free community dance programs promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Initiatives like Chance To Dance, Adaptive Dance, and Movement For Parkinsons expand access to underserved populations. These programs align with our mission to make dance inclusive and accessible, fostering connection and equity through tailored classes and outreach events across Central Virginia.
Trainee Program
Our Trainee Program supports dancers transitioning from advanced students to professional artists. Participants gain mentorship, performance experience, and technical training under seasoned professionals. The program bridges academic training with career readiness, emphasizing holistic development, artistic excellence, and wellness to prepare dancers for successful careers in ballet.
Sensory-Friendly Shows
Sensory-friendly productions like The Nutcracker cater to audiences with sensory sensitivities, including individuals with autism or other developmental needs. These performances feature modified lighting and sound, quiet spaces, and preparatory resources to ensure an inclusive, comfortable experience. We prioritize accessibility to make ballet enjoyable for all attendees, regardless of sensory requirements.
People
Sara Clayborne
Director/Co-Founder
Sara Clayborne co-founded Charlottesville Ballet in 2007, focusing on dancer wellness and community engagement. A former dancer with New York Theatre Ballet, she directs the company and academy, advocating for accessible, innovative dance education and performances.
Emily Hartka
Director/Co-Founder
Emily Hartka co-founded Charlottesville Ballet and leads marketing and development. With training from Roanoke Ballet Theatre and the University of Virginia, she emphasizes collaborations and nonprofit management to advance the ballet's mission.
Keith Lee
Director of Diversity & Inclusion
Keith Lee, a former American Ballet Theatre soloist, serves as Resident Choreographer and Director of Diversity & Inclusion. He brings 50 years of global dance experience, mentoring artists and promoting inclusivity in ballet since 2008.
Caitlin Lennon
Artistic Associate
Caitlin Lennon, a founding company member, directs repertoire and teaches at Charlottesville Ballet. With a background in real estate and dance education, she contributes to the trainee program and company's artistic vision.
Katherine Nies
Accompanist
Katherine Nies is a genre-blending pianist and composer who has collaborated with Charlottesville Ballet since 2014. Her work includes original scores and performances with symphonies, enhancing productions like 'Dancing Through the Looking Glass.'
Questions
What types of ballet performances does Charlottesville Ballet offer?
We present eclectic live performances, including The Nutcracker, sensory-friendly shows, original ballets like A Fairy Tale Gathering, and collaborative productions with the Charlottesville Symphony and Opera on the James.
Are there dance classes for children and adults?
Yes! Charlottesville Ballet Academy offers classes for ages 1.5 through adulthood, covering all genres and skill levels, with performance opportunities alongside the professional company.
How can I access free community dance programs?
Our CB Moves initiative provides free programs like Adaptive Dance, Movement For Parkinsons, and Chance To Dance. Visit our website for schedules and registration details.
Can I purchase tickets online?
Yes, tickets are available through our official website or authorized partners. Third-party resale tickets are invalid. Box office hours are limited, so online purchases are recommended.
Does Charlottesville Ballet offer group discounts?
Groups of 10+ save up to 10%. Contact our box office for reservations and details on group sales for performances in Charlottesville and Lynchburg.
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