Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Cecile graduated from The Academie de danse Princesse Grace de Monaco and studied with Marika Besobrasova. Cecile danced with The Ballet du Rhin in France, as well as Basler Ballet in Switzerland, Deutsche Oper am Rein in Germany, Tulsa Ballet in Oklahoma and Richmond Ballet. Her career includes major roles in ballets like Romeo and Juliet, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Rite of Spring, Carmina Burana, as well as works from Hans Van Manen, Mats Ek, Uwe Scholtz, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Ben Stevenson, Nacho Duato, Agnes De Mille, Val Caniparoli, Ma Cong, Malcolm Burn and Stoner Winslett among others.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
It’s a friendly environment for Ballet and diverse forms of dance education. When you work with Richmond Ballet you are part of a big family!
What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
It’s peaceful. You can be as close to nature as well as the City. There is always something to do or see whether it’s entertainment, history or simply a walk in a beautiful park.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to spend time with my family. But when I have time I like sewing and making ballet tutus, tunics and tiaras.
Faculty
The Faculty of The School of Richmond Ballet is comprised of knowledgeable instructors who share a mutual love for dance and teaching. While performing is considered the pinnacle of dance, the unseen practice and hard work in the classroom is where students spend most of their time. And under the guidance of a dedicated teacher, they’re able to reach their fullest potential.
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
Administration
The Administration of the School of Richmond Ballet is made up of a highly organized, devoted team. On any given day, they know what’s happening at the School and help keep our multitude of classes, programs, and special events running smoothly.
Sarah Ferguson
Education & Community Programs Director and Company Photographer
Misha Joao
SRB Student and Family Administrator
Kate Fillenwarth
SRB Programs Administrator
David Sandborn
Account & Business Analyst
Musicians
The Musicians at the School of Richmond Ballet are a valuable asset in creating a unique and joyful class experience. In keeping with tradition, our ballet and modern classes are accompanied by live music – a true gift to instructors and students alike.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Weaver
Accompanist
Doris Wylee-Becker
Musician
FACULTY
Faculty
The Faculty of The School of Richmond Ballet is comprised of knowledgeable instructors who share a mutual love for dance and teaching. While performing is considered the pinnacle of dance, the unseen practice and hard work in the classroom is where students spend most of their time. And under the guidance of a dedicated teacher, they’re able to reach their fullest potential.
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
ADMINISTRATION
Administration
The Administration of the School of Richmond Ballet is made up of a highly organized, devoted team. On any given day, they know what’s happening at the School and help keep our multitude of classes, programs, and special events running smoothly.
David Sandborn
Account & Business Analyst
Misha Joao
SRB Student and Family Administrator
Sarah Ferguson
Education & Community Programs Director and Company Photographer
Kate Fillenwarth
SRB Programs Administrator
MUSICIANS
Musicians
The Musicians at the School of Richmond Ballet are a valuable asset in creating a unique and joyful class experience. In keeping with tradition, our ballet and modern classes are accompanied by live music – a true gift to instructors and students alike.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Weaver
Accompanist