Ragland began his professional career with Alabama Ballet, performing works by renowned choreographers including George Balanchine, Christopher Bruce, and Septime Webre, before spending 13 years as a principal dancer with Louisville Ballet. Throughout his performing career, he appeared in leading classical, neoclassical, and contemporary roles while also establishing himself as an accomplished choreographer. His original works have been commissioned by companies across the country, including Louisville Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, and The Perla Ballet, and are recognized for blending the rich traditions of classical ballet with a contemporary artistic voice.
A dedicated advocate for arts accessibility and community engagement, Ragland has collaborated with organizations including the Roots and Wings Project, IDEAS xLab, and The Kentucky Center’s ArtsReach program. He also performed with the Black Iris Project at the Kennedy Center as part of the nationwide Dance Across America initiative.
His contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Lift a Life Foundation’s Emerging Leader in the Arts Award, Louisville Magazine’s Best Artist award, and the M.A. Hadley Prize for Visual & Performing Arts.
Brandon Ragland is the Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet and brings more than two decades of professional experience and a deep commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and community
engagement.
Since becoming Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet in August 2023, Ragland has guided the company through a period of artistic growth while strengthening the connection between performance, education, and community. Under his leadership, Dayton Ballet has presented beloved full-length classics including Cinderella, Giselle, and The Sleeping Beauty, alongside a diverse array of contemporary and neoclassical works from choreographers such as George Balanchine, Adam Hougland, Andrea Schermoly, and Qarrianne Blayr, that have expanded the company’s repertoire and artistic reach. Through innovative programming, new choreographic works, and a commitment to developing the next generation of artists, he continues to shape Dayton Ballet’s future while honoring its legacy as one of America’s historic ballet companies.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Ragland began his formal ballet training at the Alabama School of Fine Arts under distinguished instructors including Jacqueline Crenshaw Lockhart. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Dance-Arts Administration from Butler University, combining rigorous artistic training with a strong foundation in arts leadership.
