Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Colin Jacob
Company Dancer
Colin Jacob is originally from Cleveland, OH where he began his dance journey at the age of 16. He then graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA with a BFA in Dance and a concentration in Ballet Technique. During his time in college, he competed in Youth America Grand Prix, where he was recognized in the soloist and pas de deux categories. Upon graduation he trained with Ballet West, then danced in the company of Columbia City Ballet and Ballet Virginia. During his career, he has had the pleasure of dancing pieces by Dwight Rhoden, George Balanchine, Christopher Huggins, Lydia Coco Roberts, Val Caniparoli, Jennifer Archibald, Malcolm Burn, Stoner Winslett, and Ma Cong to name a few.
Education & Training
I actually started dance much later into high school and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in ballet technique from Point Park University. After my graduation, I moved to be a Trainee with Ballet West.
Professional Experience / Career Highlights
I was a Demi Soloist with Columbia City Ballet and a Featured Dancer with Ballet Virginia!
What inspired you to become a professional dancer?
I was inspired to become a dancer because I felt it was the best articulation of my artistic expression. I get to push myself everyday to strive for growth, which is incredibly rewarding.
What brought you to Richmond Ballet?
Richmond Ballet has always been known to be a family atmosphere with very strong dancers. I feel incredibly lucky to be apart of the company now!
What do you like about living in Richmond?
I enjoy the city living and all of the art that I have been finding! There is always another restaurant or new place to experience too.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing off-stage?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three cats!
A photo gallery of Colin's artistry
Company Dancers
Our professional company is made up of elite dancers from around the world who have helped earn Richmond Ballet critical acclaim. Dance/USA says Richmond Ballet is “a jewel among U.S. dance companies,” while The Washington Post calls it “a company to which dance fans everywhere ought to pay attention.” We’re proud of all that our company dancers bring to Richmond, and the world.
Cody Beaton
Jackson Calhoun
Courtney Collier
Michael Duncan
Celeste Gaiera
Mikell Graf
Khaiyom Khojaev
Jack Miller
Rachel Nash
Eri Nishihara
Zacchaeus Page
Paul Piner
Christian Renforth
Naomi Robinson
Sabrina Sabino
Izabella Tokev
Ira White
Naomi Wood
Studio Company
The Richmond Ballet Studio Company is the highest level of the Pre-Professional Division of School of Richmond Ballet, featuring exceptional student dancers from across the country. The eleven-month program includes a diverse range of performance opportunities such as Lecture Demonstrations, Richmond Ballet Company mainstage performances, and the end-of-season showcase with the Richmond Ballet Trainees.
First Row
Avalon Kirby
Second Row (L-R):
Tekhylon Armour
Katrina May Thomas
Third Row (L-R):
Itay Krasnovsky
Hannah MacLeod
Josiah Lax
Rika Kinoshita
Darius Mealy
Kennady Jackson
Cade Bolz
TRAINEES
Founded in 1993, the nationally recognized Richmond Ballet Trainee Program offers select advanced students a transitional experience to bridge the gap between the academic ballet setting and the world of professional dance. The Richmond Ballet Trainee Program is one of the few in this country that enables aspiring dancers to pursue formal dance training and gain valuable performance experience with a professional company.
First Row (L-R):
Chelsea Hacking
Kate Swales
Genesis Robinson
Second Row (L-R):
Tess Moayedi
Eden Wilson
Isabella Vanik
Gillian Carr
Third Row (L-R):
Oliver Gardner
Alexis Dawson
Bella Ownby
BriAnna Binzak
Sydney Stutzman
Benjamin Piner
Artistic Staff
The Artistic Staff at Richmond Ballet is made up of international professionals who each bring incredible talent, expertise, and credentials to their respective roles. With impressive backgrounds and world experience, they offer a unique perspective that has helped shape our organization over the years. For over 40 years, Stoner Winslett has served as the founding Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet, the first major company of professional dancers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is one of the longest tenured artistic directors of a major ballet company and one of the country’s few female artistic directors. In June 2020, acclaimed choreographer Ma Cong joined Richmond Ballet as its first ever Associate Artistic Director.
Stoner Winslett
Artistic Director
Ma Cong
Associate Artistic Director
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
