Ms. Lownsbury Long began her training with the Toledo Ballet and Charlotte Regional Ballet, continuing her studies in Tidewater Ballet Association’s residency program under the direction of Gene Hammett. During her residency, she earned a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. Then Suzanne joined the Cleveland Ballet as a trainee, progressing to soloist and principal roles within a year. She went on to dance professionally for the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet for eleven years. Her many featured roles include Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Maria and Tzarina in Dennis Nahat’s renowned Nutcracker, Swanilda in Coppelia, the title role in Giselle and many neo-classical roles. She has toured throughout the United States and Europe including a tour to the Edinburgh Festival.

Ms. Lownsbury Long moved back to the Hampton Roads’ area and joined Virginia Ballet Theatre, dancing such roles as the Greedy One in Three Virgins and a Devil, as well as, Lucy in the world premiere of Dracula. She also joined the VBT Academy faculty, becoming Assistant Director in 2000. Her teaching credits include School of Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland City Dance, Evelyn Ott School of Dance, and Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts. Suzanne has also taught and judged dance competitions throughout the United States.

Ms. Lownsbury Long has set many ballets and her choreography includes: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Coppelia, Danse de la Sprit, In the Light of the Sun, Spring Symphony, Summer Symphony, The Nutcracker, Twelve Dancing Princesses and several classical and neo-classical pieces.