Dear CBA Parents, Families, and Friends,

Welcome to Charlottesville Ballet Academy’s 14th Annual Spring Performance. We are delighted to celebrate another extraordinary year of dance, growth, and artistry with you.

This season, Charlottesville Ballet Academy has continued to thrive, with over 950 students enrolled, the growth of the Keith Lee Dance Fund, and the expansion of our CB Moves programming. It has been a year defined by growth and change, both of which have allowed us to evolve, strengthen our programs, and continue progressing as an organization. These moments of development are essential to ensuring that we provide the highest quality training and opportunities for our students.

Today’s performances are a celebration of the hard work, discipline, and passion of our dancers. We are excited to present our own rendition of Don Quixote, alongside Hooray for Hollywood, which features a dynamic mix of diverse repertoire. Together, these works showcase the technique and artistry of our students across all divisions, from our youngest performers to our most advanced levels. It is a joy to witness their growth as they bring these pieces to life on stage.

This performance would not be possible without the dedication and vision of our exceptional team. A sincere thanks to our CBA Strategic Advisor, Heather Rogers, whose leadership and insight help shape the direction of our Academy, as well as to our Stage Manager, Cordelaine Klyne, and our MODs, Kate Arnson, Emily Corrigan, and Izabelly Gleed. Alongside our faculty and staff, they are the creative forces behind the magic you will experience on stage today. I also extend appreciation to Jane Amend, our Student Services Coordinator, for her essential role in supporting this production behind the scenes.

As we celebrate the strength of this team and look toward the future of Charlottesville Ballet Academy, we are delighted to welcome Jordan-Elizabeth Long as the new full-time leader of CBA for the 2026-27 season. We are excited to have her expertise and visionary leadership as we continue to grow and prepare for our 15th anniversary season next year. Jordan-Elizabeth Long began her career with the Dutch National Ballet and later became a soloist with the Royal Swedish Ballet, performing leading roles in major classical works and contemporary pieces by renowned choreographers. She is a Gold Medalist at the World Ballet Competition and a finalist at the Shanghai International Ballet Competition. In 2014, she joined Miami City Ballet, where she was promoted to Principal Soloist in 2023 and performed leading roles in works by George Balanchine and other prominent choreographers. During her time there, she earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami. Please join me in welcoming Jordan-Elizabeth Long when you see her at the performances this weekend.

To our families, volunteers, donors, and dancers, thank you for your continued support and trust. You are an essential part of this community, and we are incredibly grateful to share this experience with you.

We hope you enjoy the performances!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sara Clayborne

Director, Charlottesville Ballet Academy