Originially from New York, Sara Clayborne is a choreographer, educator, and arts leader known for her dedication to artistic excellence, dancer wellness, and community engagement. She trained at the Ballet School of New York under Diana Byer and Sallie Wilson and began her professional career in 2001 with New York Theatre Ballet. After joining the Richmond Ballet trainee program in 2004, she expanded her contemporary dance experience with Starr Foster Dance Project. In 2007, she co-founded Charlottesville Ballet, where she performaned as a founding company artist and now serves as Director. Her choregoraphy, including a full-length Firebird, blends classical technique with narrative innovation, shaping the company's distinctive repertoire. 

Since retiring from the stage in 2013, Sara has focused on leadership, directing both Charlottesville Ballet and its affiliated school, Charlottesville Ballet Academy. She is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher and integrates the ABT® National Training Curriculum throughout the organization. A graduate of the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) entrepreneurship program and former CIC board member, she also mentors local business owners. Through her work across education, choreography, and advocacy, Sara remains committed to cultivating the next generation of dancers and broadening access to the performing arts.