Brandye Lee

Ailey II
Collage Dance Collective

Brandye Lee | Howard Profiles Brandye Lee holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from University of California at Irvine focusing on issues of equity and diversity in ballet and she is a cum laude alumna of Smith College (Economics & Afro-American Studies). A native of Washington, DC, Brandye received her formal dance training as a scholarship student at Jones-Haywood School of Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem and The Ailey School. She a was a featured dancer with Ailey II and Disney’s blockbuster “The Lion King” – National Gazelle Tour. While touring with The Lion King, Brandye served as the company’s outreach coordinator, creating unique behind-the-scenes experiences that included the show’s phenomenal cast, crew and orchestra members.

Throughout her travels, she has produced numerous concerts benefiting community arts and education organizations. Brandye has been a guest performer and teacher in many of the 47 states she toured, including at Flint Institute of Music, Dance Institute of Washington, Dance Theatre of Lynchburg, Troy D. Brown’s Art of Technique, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, George Mason University, University of Tennessee, Fisk University, Rhodes College, Marymount University, and countless others. Most recently, Brandye served as Rehearsal Director for Memphis, Tennessee’s groundbreaking ballet company and conservatory, Collage Dance Collective. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Sidwell Friends School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She is also a New Memphis Institute Fellow and served two terms as a commissioner for the Memphis City Beautiful Commission.

Brandye served on faculty for Charlottesville Ballet’s Summer Intensive program in 2021 and her choreographic work Requiem des Roses was first commissioned in the 2021-22 season. She continues to work with the Ballet as a teacher, choreographer, and consultant. Through her lifelong passion of dance, she continues to find innovative ways to let her life speak and serve her community.