Brenda Garratt-Glassman was the first black female student at the Royal Ballet School. After graduating, she joined the Dance Theatre of Harlem in New York – the first all black classical ballet company – achieving soloist status. After leaving DTH, Brenda performed in shows on Broadway, and in films (notably The Wiz with Michael Jackson and Diana Ross) and the Dance in America series.
Upon returning to the UK, Brenda was a featured tapper in the opening scene of the film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, gained principal Dancer roles in Mutiny in the West End, and the R.S.C production of Kiss Me Kate. Television performances include Channel 4s Streets Ahead series, Tangos and Rags featuring the music of Joshua Rifkin, and presenting on BBCs childrens show Umbrella.
Teaching credits include running the Joyce Butler School of Dance, masterclasses for The Cecchetti Society and the I.S.T.D and teaching Jazz at the Royal Ballets summer intensive. Brenda is currently Senior Assessor in Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre for Trinity College London, assessor for the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT), and most recently appointed as the external examiner for the BA Musical Theatre programme at Arts Ed London.