biography
Brenda Serrata Tally is an experienced arts educator, administrator, and choreographer with a passion for engaging artists of all ages in developing their creative voice through the study of dance technique, choreography, and performance. She is the owner and director of the Ballet Academy of South Texas.
Brenda holds an MFA in Dance Performance from the University of Iowa and a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. She received her early training in Victoria, TX and was an original member of the Victoria Ballet Theatre. She has studied at the Houston Ballet Academy, Joffrey Workshop TX, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. She has also served as faculty for the Joffrey Workshop TX, Dance New Amsterdam NYC, and the University of Houston-Victoria.
At the University of Iowa, Ms. Tally was a Dean’s Graduate Fellow, danced as a member of Dancers in Company, and her choreographic work represented the university at the American College Dance Festival. She has performed professionally with Sundance Summer Theatre, Duarte Dance Works, Kayle+Co, and Charlotte Adams & Dancers.
As the executive artistic director of Victoria Ballet Theatre, Brenda has created over 20 original works and twice received the Monticello Foundation Scholarship, and the Natalie Skelton awards for choreography from Regional Dance America. Brenda is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, has completed teacher training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and 4Pointe teaching method.
In 2022, Brenda opened the Ballet Academy of South Texas, a training ground dedicated to excellence in dance training. Under her direction, the Academy provides high-quality instruction for students of all ages, combining rigorous technique with opportunities for creativity, performance, and personal growth. Through this school, Brenda has built a supportive and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages are encouraged to thrive artistically while developing discipline, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Ms. Tally serves on the boards of The Vine School, Regional Dance America Southwest, and the Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Board.
Through her career Brenda has had the privilege to work and study with a wide array of teachers and choreographers who have each shaped her passion and curiosity for dance, including but not limited to: Debbe Busby, Cheryl McCollough, Jorge Cano, Buddy & Susan Treviño, Randy Soileau, Susanna Benevides, Sharee Lane, Janet Gray, Ford Evans, Abby Fiat, Donna White, Della Davidson, Alan Sener, Clara Cravey, Charthel Arthur, Francois Martinet, Paul Sutherland, George De la Peña, Deanna Carter, Armando Duarte, Jennifer Kayle, Charlotte Adams, Rebekah Kowal, Bill T. Jones, Gabriel Mason, Alan Hineline, Darla Hoover, Galen Hooks, and Lynne Charles to name a few.