Sally Brayley

Sarah Brayley Bliss (née Brayley; September 18, 1937 – June 18, 2026) was a Canadian-American ballet dancer. She performed as a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. Brayley was described by Webster University as "an internationally renowned ballet dancer, coach, and master teacher." Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Council on the Arts for a six-year term in 1986.

Early life and education Brayley was born in London, England, on September 18, 1937, to Canadian parents She was raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her father, Jack, was a journalist and his career caused the family to make several moves, from Montreal to Ottawa to Halifax. She began taking dance lessons at the age of five and the family ensured that she continued studying dance wherever they moved.

Career In 1956, Brayley began dancing at the National Ballet of Canada. She left the company when she moved to New York in 1962. In the United States, she performed as a guest artist with the American Ballet Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet. She performed as a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera.

In 1987, after Antony Tudor's death, Brayley was named Trustee of the Antony Tudor Ballet Trust. They resided in Oyster Bay, New York. Bliss died in 1991.

Honors and awards The Sally Brayley Bliss Award is named after her and is awarded by Dance Nova Scotia to choreographers continuing with their dance studies.

In 1986, Ronald Reagan appointed her for a six-year term to the National Council on the Arts, succeeding Martha Graham.

In 1988, the Canadian Women’s Club of New York City honored Brayley as Woman of the Year.