ARTISTIC STAFF
DIRECTORS
Brenda Serrata Tally - Executive Artistic Director
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. 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.
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. 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.
Kelli Klein Tamm - Assistant Director & Company Manager
Kelli began her ballet training in Michigan under Evelyn Reason and was a member of Michigan Ballet Theatre. Upon moving to Dallas, she furthered her dance training with Kathy Chamberlain and was a founding member of Chamberlain Ballet. She studied several summers in New York City under Melissa Hayden and was accepted and trained at the School of American Ballet (SAB) and American Ballet Theatre. Kelli holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Oklahoma where she was on scholarship. From 1986 to1988 she danced professionally with Dallas Ballet under the direction of Flemming Flint and Bryan Pitts.
Kelli is an experienced instructor in early childhood dance as well as beginning, intermediate and advanced ballet and pointe. She is currently the Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Assistant Director and Company Manager and has also choreographed several pieces for Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Fall productions. Kelli also continues to stay current in her profession by attending workshops. During the summer of 2023 she attended Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Teachers Workshop.
Kelli began her ballet training in Michigan under Evelyn Reason and was a member of Michigan Ballet Theatre. Upon moving to Dallas, she furthered her dance training with Kathy Chamberlain and was a founding member of Chamberlain Ballet. She studied several summers in New York City under Melissa Hayden and was accepted and trained at the School of American Ballet (SAB) and American Ballet Theatre. Kelli holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Oklahoma where she was on scholarship. From 1986 to1988 she danced professionally with Dallas Ballet under the direction of Flemming Flint and Bryan Pitts.
Kelli is an experienced instructor in early childhood dance as well as beginning, intermediate and advanced ballet and pointe. She is currently the Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Assistant Director and Company Manager and has also choreographed several pieces for Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Fall productions. Kelli also continues to stay current in her profession by attending workshops. During the summer of 2023 she attended Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Teachers Workshop.
Amanda Rocha Urbano - Technical Director
Amanda Rocha Urbano has been with Victoria Ballet Theatre for almost 20 years as the stage manager and now the technical director and lighting designer. It has been her privilege to be a part of this organization and watch it grow into what it is today. She sits on the board of Theatre Victoria as the Vice-President of Development and is also on the Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department board. She owns her own business, Amanda Rocha Urbano Event Management Co., specializing in Day of Event Coordination. She is very thankful to her family that help her juggle all things.
Amanda Rocha Urbano has been with Victoria Ballet Theatre for almost 20 years as the stage manager and now the technical director and lighting designer. It has been her privilege to be a part of this organization and watch it grow into what it is today. She sits on the board of Theatre Victoria as the Vice-President of Development and is also on the Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department board. She owns her own business, Amanda Rocha Urbano Event Management Co., specializing in Day of Event Coordination. She is very thankful to her family that help her juggle all things.
Amber Packard - Wardrobe Director
Amber Packard has served as the Wardrobe Director for Victoria Ballet Theatre (VBT) since 2016. With a strong foundation in both artistry and technical skill, Amber holds a degree in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University but has always had a passion for sewing and costume design. She has honed her craft through years of experience, including completing an advanced course in classical tutu making at Regional Dance America (RDA). In her role at VBT, Amber has designed and created costumes for a variety of productions, including Alice in Wonderland and Madeline. Her responsibilities extend beyond design—she is also dedicated to preserving and enhancing the company’s extensive collection of costumes, ensuring they remain in top condition for future performances. Amber’s personal connection to dance is strong, as both of her daughters started dancing at a young age and are now proud members of the company. She takes great joy in helping all dancers feel confident and look their best on stage, blending her love for costume design with her deep commitment to VBT’s artistic vision.
Amber Packard has served as the Wardrobe Director for Victoria Ballet Theatre (VBT) since 2016. With a strong foundation in both artistry and technical skill, Amber holds a degree in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M University but has always had a passion for sewing and costume design. She has honed her craft through years of experience, including completing an advanced course in classical tutu making at Regional Dance America (RDA). In her role at VBT, Amber has designed and created costumes for a variety of productions, including Alice in Wonderland and Madeline. Her responsibilities extend beyond design—she is also dedicated to preserving and enhancing the company’s extensive collection of costumes, ensuring they remain in top condition for future performances. Amber’s personal connection to dance is strong, as both of her daughters started dancing at a young age and are now proud members of the company. She takes great joy in helping all dancers feel confident and look their best on stage, blending her love for costume design with her deep commitment to VBT’s artistic vision.
VBT STAFF
Phoebe Keith - Company Administrator
Phoebe began her dance journey at Busby Dancenter at the age of nine under the instruction of Brenda Tally, Kelli Klein, and Debbe Busby taking classes and performing in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Immediately Phoebe found a love all performing arts but especially dance. Phoebe was a member of Victoria Ballet Theatre for nine years, working her way from Junior Company Apprentice to Artist in Residence, loving every step of the way. Phoebe started teaching at the age of fifteen and hasn’t stopped. She loves getting to know her students and being able to help them develop a love for dance as well. She graduated from University of Houston – Victoria with her bachelors in Kinesiology to help further understanding of how the body moves and develops which is often tied into lessons she learned from dance. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Progressing Ballet Technique which she gets to teach at Ballet Academy of South Texas. Phoebe serves as the Company Administrator at Victoria Ballet Theatre. Phoebe loves being part of the VBT family and cherishes the opportunity to share her passion for dance every day.
Phoebe began her dance journey at Busby Dancenter at the age of nine under the instruction of Brenda Tally, Kelli Klein, and Debbe Busby taking classes and performing in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, contemporary, and tap. Immediately Phoebe found a love all performing arts but especially dance. Phoebe was a member of Victoria Ballet Theatre for nine years, working her way from Junior Company Apprentice to Artist in Residence, loving every step of the way. Phoebe started teaching at the age of fifteen and hasn’t stopped. She loves getting to know her students and being able to help them develop a love for dance as well. She graduated from University of Houston – Victoria with her bachelors in Kinesiology to help further understanding of how the body moves and develops which is often tied into lessons she learned from dance. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Progressing Ballet Technique which she gets to teach at Ballet Academy of South Texas. Phoebe serves as the Company Administrator at Victoria Ballet Theatre. Phoebe loves being part of the VBT family and cherishes the opportunity to share her passion for dance every day.
Kennedy Velasquez - DEMI Director
Kennedy began training in the Early Childhood Program and advanced through the upper school at Busby Dancenter studying under Debbe Busby, Brenda Tally, Kelli Klein Tamm and Courtney Bosier Hawthorne. At the age of 9 she joined the Victoria Ballet Theatre Company and participated in productions of “Fall for Dance,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Spring Gala,”. During her time with VBT Kennedy attended four Regional Dance America (RDA) Southwest Festivals and two (RDA) national festivals in Montreal, Canada and Phoenix, Arizona. She has performed at Regional Dance America Southwest and has studied under many renowned dance masters at the same. Kennedy has choreographed four pieces as an emerging choreographer for VBT titled “The Light Within,” which was performed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “Compelling Urgency,” “Swarming Compulsions,” which were performed in Dallas, Texas and her last choreographed piece “Clarity” which was performed at RDA adjudication. Kennedy also received a full scholarship to attend the National Choreography Intensive (NCI) in Tallahassee, Florida in 2017 where she was able to learn and work with world renowned dance teachers and choreographers. Kennedy’s senior year she was award the Spirit of VBT award voted on by her dance peers, and graduated top 15 percent from Victoria East High School in 2017. After graduating Kennedy attended Victoria College and earned her Associates of Arts, and continued with VBT as an Artist in Resident, an Emerging Choreographer, and an intern as VBT’s Social Media Director. Now she is the instructor and D.E.M.I. Coordinator for the Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Dance Education Movement Initiative (D.E.M.I.) outreach program that partners with the Victoria Boys and Girls Club, teaching and giving the opportunity of dance to their students.
Kennedy began training in the Early Childhood Program and advanced through the upper school at Busby Dancenter studying under Debbe Busby, Brenda Tally, Kelli Klein Tamm and Courtney Bosier Hawthorne. At the age of 9 she joined the Victoria Ballet Theatre Company and participated in productions of “Fall for Dance,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Spring Gala,”. During her time with VBT Kennedy attended four Regional Dance America (RDA) Southwest Festivals and two (RDA) national festivals in Montreal, Canada and Phoenix, Arizona. She has performed at Regional Dance America Southwest and has studied under many renowned dance masters at the same. Kennedy has choreographed four pieces as an emerging choreographer for VBT titled “The Light Within,” which was performed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “Compelling Urgency,” “Swarming Compulsions,” which were performed in Dallas, Texas and her last choreographed piece “Clarity” which was performed at RDA adjudication. Kennedy also received a full scholarship to attend the National Choreography Intensive (NCI) in Tallahassee, Florida in 2017 where she was able to learn and work with world renowned dance teachers and choreographers. Kennedy’s senior year she was award the Spirit of VBT award voted on by her dance peers, and graduated top 15 percent from Victoria East High School in 2017. After graduating Kennedy attended Victoria College and earned her Associates of Arts, and continued with VBT as an Artist in Resident, an Emerging Choreographer, and an intern as VBT’s Social Media Director. Now she is the instructor and D.E.M.I. Coordinator for the Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Dance Education Movement Initiative (D.E.M.I.) outreach program that partners with the Victoria Boys and Girls Club, teaching and giving the opportunity of dance to their students.
Angelica Vela - Social Media Director
Angelica Vela (Victoria, TX) graduated from Texas Christian University with her B.F.A in Modern Dance from the TCU School for Classical and Contemporary Dance and a Pilates Teacher Certificate in May 2021. She began her training at Busby Dancenter under the instruction of Debbe Busby, Kelli Klein, and Brenda Tally performing in various styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and improvisation. Angelica is an alumni of the Victoria Ballet Theatre where she spent 10 seasons performing in a variety of works by LeeWei Chao, Joshua Peugh, Dominic Walsh, Willy Shives, and others as well as classical ballets including Cinderella, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Red Shoes, and the Nutcracker. Throughout her dance career she has trained with The Joffrey Ballet Las Vegas, Cirque, and Dallas Intensives with full scholarships, Texas Dance Improvisational Festival, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and BalletMet. As a Dance Scholar recipient at TCU, highlights in the SCCD include performances in works by resident faculty Susan Douglas Roberts and Suki John, and guest artists Bryn Cohn, Francisco Aviña, Elijah Gibson, Adam Barruch, and Kurt Douglas. Angelica currently works with Citizens HealthPlex as a Pilates Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She is excited to join the Ballet Academy of South Texas faculty in her pursuit to inspire individuals to find their love of dance and performance.
Angelica Vela (Victoria, TX) graduated from Texas Christian University with her B.F.A in Modern Dance from the TCU School for Classical and Contemporary Dance and a Pilates Teacher Certificate in May 2021. She began her training at Busby Dancenter under the instruction of Debbe Busby, Kelli Klein, and Brenda Tally performing in various styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, and improvisation. Angelica is an alumni of the Victoria Ballet Theatre where she spent 10 seasons performing in a variety of works by LeeWei Chao, Joshua Peugh, Dominic Walsh, Willy Shives, and others as well as classical ballets including Cinderella, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Don Quixote, Red Shoes, and the Nutcracker. Throughout her dance career she has trained with The Joffrey Ballet Las Vegas, Cirque, and Dallas Intensives with full scholarships, Texas Dance Improvisational Festival, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and BalletMet. As a Dance Scholar recipient at TCU, highlights in the SCCD include performances in works by resident faculty Susan Douglas Roberts and Suki John, and guest artists Bryn Cohn, Francisco Aviña, Elijah Gibson, Adam Barruch, and Kurt Douglas. Angelica currently works with Citizens HealthPlex as a Pilates Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor. She is excited to join the Ballet Academy of South Texas faculty in her pursuit to inspire individuals to find their love of dance and performance.
FOUNDERS
Debbe Busby - Founding Artistic Director
A native Victorian, Ms. Busby began her early training with Lillian Cain Cox. After graduation from Victoria High School with highest honors, she attended the University of Oklahoma as a dance major studying with Miguel Terekhov, Yvonne Choutou and Helen Gregory. At OU, she was a member of the Orchesis dance Group and was a soloist with the Mary Kay Price Dance Company. In 1973, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston with a B.A. Degree. While in Houston, she performed as a soloist in numerous dance department productions. From 1970 to 1974, she danced as a member of Discovery Dance Group under the direction of Camille Long Hill. Mrs. Busby also attended Texas Women’s University as a graduate student in dance and related arts. From 1974 to 1979, she taught modern dance at Victoria College and then opened her dance studio in the fall of 1979. Ms. Busby has choreographed numerous musical for high schools, college and civic groups including “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Music Man”, and “The King and I”. Her civic involvements have included membership in Sandaphon Study Club, The Junior League of Victoria, and the Victoria Summer Musical Repertory Company. She was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1983. Other positions include dance panel member of the Texas Commission of the Arts, advisory board of Hopkins Fine Arts Magnet School and parliamentarian and membership Chairman of Regional Dance America/SW. Ms. Busby is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary though Level 5 for the ABT National Training Curriculum. In 1984, Ms. Busby co-founded and served as Artistic Director of Victoria Ballet Theatre. Under her leadership, the company grew in size and artistry bringing both classics and original ballets to our community in addition to providing various outreach opportunities. Ms. Busby is married to husband Jim, and they are parents to three grown children, Heather, Jared and Shannon.
A native Victorian, Ms. Busby began her early training with Lillian Cain Cox. After graduation from Victoria High School with highest honors, she attended the University of Oklahoma as a dance major studying with Miguel Terekhov, Yvonne Choutou and Helen Gregory. At OU, she was a member of the Orchesis dance Group and was a soloist with the Mary Kay Price Dance Company. In 1973, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston with a B.A. Degree. While in Houston, she performed as a soloist in numerous dance department productions. From 1970 to 1974, she danced as a member of Discovery Dance Group under the direction of Camille Long Hill. Mrs. Busby also attended Texas Women’s University as a graduate student in dance and related arts. From 1974 to 1979, she taught modern dance at Victoria College and then opened her dance studio in the fall of 1979. Ms. Busby has choreographed numerous musical for high schools, college and civic groups including “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Music Man”, and “The King and I”. Her civic involvements have included membership in Sandaphon Study Club, The Junior League of Victoria, and the Victoria Summer Musical Repertory Company. She was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1983. Other positions include dance panel member of the Texas Commission of the Arts, advisory board of Hopkins Fine Arts Magnet School and parliamentarian and membership Chairman of Regional Dance America/SW. Ms. Busby is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary though Level 5 for the ABT National Training Curriculum. In 1984, Ms. Busby co-founded and served as Artistic Director of Victoria Ballet Theatre. Under her leadership, the company grew in size and artistry bringing both classics and original ballets to our community in addition to providing various outreach opportunities. Ms. Busby is married to husband Jim, and they are parents to three grown children, Heather, Jared and Shannon.
Jim Busby - Founding Technical Director
Since 1984, Jim has been a constant presence behind the scenes at every Victoria Ballet Theatre production. His duties have included executing lighting plots, set design, logistics and stage crew coordination. As a charter member of the Board of Trustees for VBT, he has served in many capacities including Board Chairman and treasurer. His dedication and commitment to the growth and stability of the company has been instrumental in the ongoing quality of productions presented.
Since 1984, Jim has been a constant presence behind the scenes at every Victoria Ballet Theatre production. His duties have included executing lighting plots, set design, logistics and stage crew coordination. As a charter member of the Board of Trustees for VBT, he has served in many capacities including Board Chairman and treasurer. His dedication and commitment to the growth and stability of the company has been instrumental in the ongoing quality of productions presented.
