Proclaimed “Lexington’s Ballerina,” Regina Willoughby is indeed the essence of ballet in Lexington. Many know her as the owner of The Academy of Lexington Youth Ballet and the non-profit Lexington Youth Ballet. Originally from Texas, Regina has been involved in dance since the age of eight, when she danced at Ballet Midland in West Texas. At 15, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the Virginia School of the Arts. Upon graduation, she received multiple scholarship opportunities and apprenticeship contracts. “Getting paid to do something I loved?! It was a tough decision [on where to choose], but at the same time, a no-brainer for me,” said Regina. She ultimately chose a corps de ballet contract at Ballet Austin to be closer to her family and her longtime love, Jason.
After Regina and Jason married, the couple welcomed their first daughter, Sierra, in 1996. Regina says, “Being a mom was an aspiration equal to a professional ballet career for me.” Following the birth of their daughter, Regina decided she wanted to continue dancing, which at the time was unusual. She auditioned, and Columbia City Ballet (now South Carolina Ballet) was one of her offers. The family felt South Carolina would be a wonderful place to raise a family, so they moved here in 1997 and have been here since. Her husband has served in the military and was a Deputy and Investigator for Richland County. He now works alongside Regina as her business partner. When they are not busy with their business, they attend Corpus Christi Catholic Church and enjoy their time as members of the Columbia Sailing Club. Regina is also on the board of directors for the South Carolina Arts Foundation.
Regina has been promoted throughout her career in ballet to the company’s Soloist, Principal, and Ballerina. In her 20 years of performing, she has danced lead roles in iconic ballets such as Giselle and Romeo and Juliet. Not only has she been recognized as Lexington’s Ballerina, but she was also awarded a key to the city by the City of Columbia. During these significant career events, the family welcomed their second daughter, Melina, who followed in her mother’s dancing footsteps.
In 2018, Regina retired from the stage, but not before performing her final dance alongside Melina. They danced at Columbia City Ballet, where they were featured in Parade Magazine and on SCETV to showcase this unique experience they had as mother and daughter. Since retiring from the stage, she has continued to work in the dance studio and recently welcomed her first grandchild. Regina feels that it is one of the best blessings in life to see the love her daughter has for her new baby and how it brings the family full circle. Enjoying the sweet baby snuggles without being the one up all night has been a nice perk of grandparent life.
As she continues to impact the community positively, Regina hopes that others realize that arts are vital to the growth of a thriving community. “Imagine our lives without music or a work of art that moves us?” she said. “Family, truth, and moral values are the glue, and art gives us vibrancy!”