Business Details
19 Years
experience
Premier Ballet Company & Dance Academy in Charlottesville, VA
Founded in 2007, Charlottesville Ballet stands as the sole full-time professional dance company in the Charlottesville area. Our mission prioritizes dancer wellness and artistic excellence, fostering a healthy environment for artists while delivering performances, education, and community outreach. Co-founders Sara Clayborne and Emily Hartka lead a diverse professional company featuring dancers from across the U.S. and internationally. The organization operates a nonprofit dance academy serving ages 2 through adult and offers free community programs like Adaptive Dance and Movement for Parkinsons.As the Resident Dance Company at Lynchburgs Academy Center of the Arts, we present eclectic performances including The Nutcracker and sensory-friendly shows. Our commitment to inclusivity celebrates diverse body types and backgrounds, ensuring accessible dance education and affordable performances. With support from donors and sponsors, we elevate dance as a transformative art form across Central Virginia.
Services
Professional Ballet Performances
Dance Academy Training
Adaptive Dance Classes
Movement for Parkinsons Program
Community Outreach Programs
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2007 with a focus on dancer wellness and artistic excellence.
- Offers free community programs like Adaptive Dance and Movement for Parkinsons.
- Celebrates diverse body types and backgrounds in its professional company.
- Resident Dance Company at Lynchburgs Academy Center of the Arts since 2011.
- Provides lifetime scholarships through the Chance To Dance outreach program.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Inclusive dance programs
Professional artistry
Community-focused initiatives
Accessible performances
Wellness-centered approach
Services
Professional Ballet Performances
Charlottesville Ballet presents eclectic live performances, including The Nutcracker, sensory-friendly shows, and original narrated ballets. Our company features diverse artists from the U.S. and abroad, celebrating all body types. Performances occur in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Central Virginia venues.
Dance Academy Training
Charlottesville Ballet Academy offers training in all dance genres for ages 2 through adult. Established in 2011, the nonprofit school provides performance opportunities alongside the professional company and offers lifetime scholarships through outreach programs.
Adaptive Dance Classes
Adaptive Dance serves children with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including Autism and Down Syndrome. Classes provide a supportive environment to explore dance, focusing on physical and emotional wellness through tailored instruction.
Movement for Parkinsons Program
This free weekly class supports individuals with Parkinsons Disease and their care partners. Sessions improve balance, strength, and mobility while fostering community through dance-based exercises designed for movement disorders.
Community Outreach Programs
CB Moves initiatives include free programs like Chance To Dance (school partnerships), Silver Swans (senior classes), and Once Upon A Ballet. These programs expand dance access to underserved populations across Central Virginia.
People
Sara Clayborne
Co-Founder/Director
Co-founder of Charlottesville Ballet, Sara Clayborne leads with a focus on dancer wellness and artistic innovation. She has shaped the companys inclusive mission since its 2007 founding.
Emily Hartka
Co-Founder/Director
Co-founder Emily Hartka directs Charlottesville Ballets artistic vision. She champions diverse body types and community engagement, ensuring the companys impact extends beyond performances.
Heather Rogers
Principal of Charlottesville Ballet Academy
Heather Rogers oversees the academys training programs, which serve over 700 students annually. She emphasizes accessible, high-quality dance education for ages 2 through adult.
Claudia Strawderman
Development Manager
Claudia Strawderman manages fundraising and donor relations, ensuring financial sustainability for the companys performances, education, and outreach initiatives.
Kathryn Tokar
CB Moves Coordinator
Kathryn Tokar coordinates free community programs like Adaptive Dance and Movement for Parkinsons, expanding access to dance for diverse populations in Central Virginia.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer?
Charlottesville Ballet Academy provides training in all genres for ages 2 through adult, including ballet, contemporary, and jazz.
Are performances accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Yes, we offer sensory-friendly shows and adaptive programs designed for diverse physical and cognitive needs.
How can I support Charlottesville Ballet?
Support through donations, corporate sponsorships, or volunteering helps sustain our performances, education, and community programs.
Do you provide scholarships for dance training?
Yes, the Chance To Dance program offers lifetime scholarships to underserved students through school partnerships.
Where are your performances held?
Performances occur at venues across Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Central Virginia, including the Academy Center of the Arts.
What community programs do you offer?
CB Moves includes Adaptive Dance, Movement for Parkinsons, Silver Swans, and free school events to expand dance access.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Sarah Morris
Jan 12, 2021
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This ballet school... gah, its just wonderful. The teachers are wonderful, my 3 year old LOVES going to class and it just warms my heart! Im so glad we found this gem of a school, we are so thankful!
Evan Macbeth
Jul 11, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
My children have learned a ton, not just about dancing, but about being a member of a community, here. The instructors truly care about each dancer's well being and making the experience of dance fulfilling. And, of course, the instruction is excellent.
My children have learned a ton, not just about dancing, but about being a member of a community, here. The instructors truly care about each dancer's well being and making the experience of dance fulfilling. And, of course, the instruction is excellent.
Rachel Evers
Jul 15, 2018
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Everyone is so kind! They are always so warm and friendly to my daughter and I. Will be attending as long as theyll have us!!!
Virginia Brame
Oct 20, 2017
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CBA is a warm, welcoming and supportive dance school. Almost everyone in our family dances now - even this 40-something mommy who had never danced a day in her life. The performance opportunities w/ a professional company are a major plus too... We feel very grateful to have discovered this dance school!
