Brandye Lee holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from University of California at Irvine focusing on issues of equity and diversity in ballet and she is a cum laude alumna of Smith College (Economics & Afro-American Studies). A native of Washington, DC, Brandye received her formal dance training as a scholarship student at Jones-Haywood School of Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Ailey School. She a was a featured dancer with Ailey II and Disney’s blockbuster “The Lion King” – National Gazelle Tour. While touring with The Lion King, Brandye served as the company’s outreach coordinator, creating unique behind-the-scenes experiences that included the show’s phenomenal cast, crew and orchestra members. Throughout her travels, she has produced numerous concerts benefiting community arts and education organizations. Brandye has been a guest performer and teacher in many of the 47 states she toured, including at Flint Institute of Music, Dance Institute of Washington, Dance Theatre of Lynchburg, Troy D. Brown’s Art of Technique, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, George Mason University, University of Tennessee, Fisk University, Rhodes College, Marymount University, and countless others. Most recently, Brandye served as Rehearsal Director for Memphis, Tennessee’s groundbreaking ballet company and conservatory, Collage Dance Collective. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Sidwell Friends School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She is also a New Memphis Institute Fellow and served two terms as a commissioner for the Memphis City Beautiful Commission. In 2021, Brandye was on faculty for Charlottesville Ballet’s Summer Intensive program and we are honored to showcase her choreography for the professional company’s 2021-22 season. Through her lifelong passion of dance, she continues to find innovative ways to let her life speak and serve her community.

Abigail Brent

Abigail Brent began dancing with Charlottesville Ballet Academy at its inception in 2007. She was invited to join the Pre-Professional program when it was created in 2015. She spent summers training on scholarship with American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey, School of American Ballet, Chautauqua, and Richmond Ballet. She was accepted into The Kennedy Center’s Master Ballet Class Series, enhancing her training in classes with NYCB, ABT, Ballet West, Mariinsky Ballet, National Ballet of China, San Francisco Ballet, and several internationally known contemporary companies. After a year as a Trainee with the Charlottesville Ballet, she was promoted to Apprentice Dancer in 2019. She has enjoyed performing many roles, including The Nutcracker’s Spanish and Dew Drop, and the Step-Sister in Cinderella. Abigail is thrilled to be a Company Artist and on the faculty of Charlotteville Ballet Academy teaching the next generation of talented young dancers.

Sara Clayborne, Co-Director

Originally from New York, Sara trained at the Ballet School of New York under the direction of Diana Byer and Sallie Wilson. In 2001, she graduated from the Professional Children’s School in New York City and began to dance professionally with New York Theatre Ballet. While dancing with NYTB, Sara had the opportunity to tour the United States and perform at the Florence Gould Hall in New York City. In 2004, Sara moved to Richmond, Virginia to join the Richmond Ballet trainee program. While at the Richmond Ballet, she performed with the professional company in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and original choreography by Richmond Ballet faculty. She danced with Richmond Ballet for two years before being asked to join Starr Foster Dance Project. In 2007, Sara co-founded the Charlottesville Ballet, putting her myriad of experiences to work while keeping her love of performance alive in her dual role as dancer and director. She retired from the stage in 2012 in order to devote her time to the growth of Charlottesville Ballet.

Keith Lee, Artist Laureate, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and Resident Choreographer

Keith Lee–Artist Laureate, Resident Choreographer, and Director of Diversity & Inclusion–is a master teacher and choreographer originating from the Bronx, New York where he trained at the High School of Performing Arts in NYC. In 1969 Mr. Lee joined American Ballet Theatre and was promoted to the rank of soloist the following year. He then pursued his career at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre as their ballet master. He has choreographed works for American Ballet Theatre, the Washington Ballet, the Geneva Ballet, the Oakland Ballet, the Garden State Ballet, Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, the Lexington Ballet, and the Charlottesville Ballet. Mr. Lee now calls Central Virginia home, and continues to work as a freelance choreographer, teacher, and performing arts coordinator. Mr. Lee is excited to expand his role of Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Charlottesville Ballet.