Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Deanna studied at the School of Richmond Ballet as a child before attending the North Carolina School of the Arts. Upon graduation, she danced with Miami City Ballet under under Edward Villella from 1989 until 2010, becoming a Principal Dancer in 1998. After retiring from the stage and before returning to Richmond, she taught in Miami City Ballet School, Boston Ballet School and Cary Ballet Conservatory.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
I love how the focus is always on what is best for the students as well as being able to create an environment where every student can thrive.
What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
There are so many things I love about Richmond, it is hard to pick a favorite. I love the parks and the James River, I love the cultural events and museums, and I love the family activities.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I spend time with my family – I have two young boys. We inevitably end up riding our bikes on Belle Isle, swimming in the river, or visiting the Science Museum.
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
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
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.
Misha Joao
SRB Student and Family 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.
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
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
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