Originally from New York, Sara Clayborne is a choreographer, educator, and arts leader with over two decades of experience in dance training and youth development. She received her early training under Diana Byer and Sallie Wilson at the Ballet School of New York and graduated from the Professional Children’s School in Manhattan. Sara began her professional career with New York Theatre Ballet, performing both classical and contemporary works on national tours and at Florence Gould Hall.

In 2007, Sara co-founded Charlottesville Ballet and now serves as Director of both the professional company and Charlottesville Ballet Academy. She has taught all ages and genres of dance from recreational classes to the professional level, bringing a deep understanding of both technical development and artistic growth to her students. As an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher in Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum, Sara applies this developmentally sound pedagogy throughout the Academy, promoting a consistent and holistic training approach for dancers of all levels. She is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where students can grow artistically, physically, and personally through the transformative power of dance.