Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Rachel Shimkus holds degrees in music from Grove City College and Miami University. Favorite moments from a decade-plus of Minds In Motion include creating a musical dragon for Team XXL’s touring show in 2014, grooving out on the MIM stage with 4th-grade teachers, and the annual metamorphosis of 4th-graders from students to performers. In addition to Minds In Motion classes, Rachel accompanies classes at the School of Richmond Ballet, and serves as the SRB Music Administrator. When not playing piano, she can usually be found curled up with a book, or knitting, probably accompanied by a mug of coffee.
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
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
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
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.
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
Professional Training Program Director
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
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
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.
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