Charlottesville Ballet

Charlottesville Ballet A professional ballet company, dance academy, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Central VA

Founded in 2007 with a unique mission for dancer wellness, Charlottesville Ballet is the only full time professional dance company in the Charlottesville area. Co-Founders Sara Clayborne and Emily Hartka are committed to elevating professional ballet with a healthy working environment for the artists. The professional company is comprised of dancers from all over the United States and abroad– from

Virginia to California to Japan. Charlottesville Ballet’s Trainee Program welcomes additional dancers as they transition from advanced students into professional artists. Charlottesville Ballet Academy (CBA), the official training school of Charlottesville Ballet, opened in July 2011 and is a nonprofit center for dance education serving over 700 students throughout the Central Virginia. CBA offers training in all dance genres for ages 1.5 through adult and offers performance opportunities for young dancers alongside the professional company. Chance To Dance (C2D) is an after-school outreach program for grades K-5 that gives underserved children a hands-on experience with the arts. The Ballet partners with local public schools in both Charlottesville City and Albemarle County and students are selected to receive lifetime scholarships to train at CBA. Charlottesville Ballet’s professional company presents performances and events in Charlottesville, in Lynchburg as Resident Dance Company at the Academy Center of the Arts, and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a day that honors freedom, perseverance, and the continued pursuit of equa...
06/19/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a day that honors freedom, perseverance, and the continued pursuit of equality.

Observed each year on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It stands as both a celebration of liberation and a reminder of the work that remains in creating a more just and inclusive future.

As Keith Lee, Charlottesville Ballet’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion, shares:
“Juneteenth is a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and to commit: to telling the stories that history tried to erase, and to moving forward together with purpose and unity.”

Today, we honor the past, celebrate progress, and reaffirm our commitment to a future where freedom, opportunity, and belonging are shared by all.

❗Please note: There will be no CBA camps or classes today, June 19, in observance of the holiday.

✨ Say hello to 2026–27 Company Artist, Eden Heille! ✨Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Eden trained at Ashley Ballet Arts...
06/18/2026

✨ Say hello to 2026–27 Company Artist, Eden Heille! ✨
Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Eden trained at Ashley Ballet Arts Academy before continuing her studies at prestigious programs including Boston Ballet, Ballet West, San Francisco Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and the University of Utah’s Collegiate Choreographic Institute.
Prior to joining Charlottesville Ballet as a trainee in 2023, she danced professionally with Tulsa Ballet and Twin Cities Ballet. Throughout her career, she has performed leading roles in classical favorites and worked with renowned artists including Ma Cong, Patrick Armand, Sofiane Sylve, Yi Wang, and Peter Stark. Among her favorite roles are Myrtha ("Giselle"), Dew Drop ("The Nutcracker"), and Little Swans ("Swan Lake"). She also enjoys the creative process of developing new contemporary works.

In addition to performing, Eden shares her passion for dance as a faculty member at Charlottesville Ballet Academy. We’re thrilled to welcome her back for her fourth season with Charlottesville Ballet! 💫

📷: Alisa Foytik, BC Media Photos, Steve Lucas

🎉 Happiest Birthday to Charlottesville Ballet Trainee & CBA Faculty Member, Alyssa Robey! 🎉Alyssa began dancing at age t...
06/14/2026

🎉 Happiest Birthday to Charlottesville Ballet Trainee & CBA Faculty Member, Alyssa Robey! 🎉

Alyssa began dancing at age three in Virginia Beach and trained extensively with Music in Motion Dance Studio, Todd Rosenlieb Dance, and the Artistic Movements Initiative before joining Charlottesville Ballet in 2024. During her time with CB, she has performed in "The Nutcracker," "The Firebird," "Salute," "America250," and "Momentum." As a dedicated teacher, Alyssa loves sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages through Charlottesville Ballet Academy.
We are thrilled to have Alyssa returning for her third season as both a Trainee and Faculty Member!
✨ Fun Facts About Alyssa:
🧁 She loves baking
🌻 She enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors
🚗 Her car's name is Grandma

Join us in wishing Alyssa a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead! 💙

📷: Alisa Foytik

Sara Jansen Clayborne was honored to attend the presentation of the Virginia General Assembly’s Senate Commending Resolu...
06/13/2026

Sara Jansen Clayborne was honored to attend the presentation of the Virginia General Assembly’s Senate Commending Resolution celebrating the Historic Academy Theatre’s 120 year legacy.

As the Resident Dance Company of this historic theater, Charlottesville Ballet is proud to be part of its continuing story.

Congratulations to the Academy Center of the Arts on this well deserved recognition. We look forward to future collaborations and to seeing the vibrant arts community continue to grow and thrive.

Our Parent & Me Summer Session is the perfect introduction to movement, music, and creativity for little ones ages 18 mo...
06/12/2026

Our Parent & Me Summer Session is the perfect introduction to movement, music, and creativity for little ones ages 18 months–3 years!
Join us Wednesdays from 4:00–4:30 PM at Downtown at IX from July 1–15 for a joyful class designed for children and their guardians to explore together.

Bond, play, and dance your way through summer: we can't wait to welcome you! 💕

Register today: tr.ee/UbqK8O

06/10/2026

✨ Enrollment for the 2026–27 Academic Year at Charlottesville Ballet Academy is officially OPEN! ✨
Join us for a season of dance, growth, and creativity from September 8–May 28 at our two convenient locations: Downtown at IX and 29 North.
From ballet and tap to hip hop, contemporary, and more, we offer classes for dancers of all ages and experience levels. Whether it’s your child’s very first class or the next step in their training, there’s a place for them at CBA. 💙
Spaces fill quickly, so register early to secure your preferred classes. We can’t wait to dance with you this season! 🩰

CharlottesvilleBallet.org/Classes/

A little tutu for your Tuesday. 🩰✨Grace in every step and a little magic in every moment. Wishing you a beautiful week f...
06/09/2026

A little tutu for your Tuesday. 🩰✨
Grace in every step and a little magic in every moment. Wishing you a beautiful week from all of us at Charlottesville Ballet! 💙

06/08/2026

Ever wanted to try dance but didn’t know where to start? Now is your chance! 🩰✨

Whether you’re looking to dust off your old dance shoes or try something completely new, our Adult Dance Sampler is the perfect, low-pressure way to dive in.

In just three days, you’ll sample three beautiful styles of dance—no long-term commitment required!

When: June 23–25 (Tuesday–Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Downtown at IX

What you'll learn:
Ballet
Jazz
Contemporary

No previous experience is necessary. Our classes are welcoming, fun, and designed specifically for adult movers of all levels. Come sweat, express yourself, and find your rhythm.

Spaces are limited! Secure your spot for the 3-class session here:
https://tr.ee/Cq1UdV

06/08/2026

Address

1885 Seminole Trail, Suite 203
Charlottesville, VA
22901

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