Jamey Leverett

Jamey Leverett has dedicated 37 years to shaping and mentoring aspiring dancers, earning a reputation as both a visionary educator and an award-winning contemporary ballet choreographer. She currently serves as Artistic Director of the Timothy M. Draper Center for Dance Education, a school with a 40-year history of excellence, shaping, inspiring, and guiding dancers to reach their fullest artistic and professional potential. Under her leadership, Draper students have received contracts with distinguished companies including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and leading European companies. Draper students have pursued diverse paths, including performing on Broadway and in major Las Vegas productions.  You will also see alumni in distinguished teaching and leadership roles in prominent ballet schools, companies, and universities.

Many of Leverett’s students have also earned scholarships to prestigious programs such as The Juilliard School, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, Point Park University Conservatory of Dance, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and University of Arizona. These accomplishments offer just a glimpse of the extraordinary journeys Leverett’s students continue to embark upon, shaping the future of dance through artistry, leadership, and education around the world.

From 2003 to 2015, Leverett served as Artistic Director of the Rochester City Ballet, succeeding founder Timothy M. Draper. During her tenure, she transformed the company from a student troupe into a professional ensemble, presenting world premieres alongside masterworks and forging bold collaborations that elevated the company’s profile.

Her choreography has been showcased on acclaimed stages including Jacob’s Pillow, New York’s River to River Festival, Youth America Grand Prix galas, and Italy’s Festival dei Due Mondi. Despite these artistic achievements, Leverett considers her greatest impact to be in the studio—where her commitment to excellence, artistry, and mentorship continues to guide and inspire the next generation of dancers.