Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Courtney Collier
Company Dancer
Courtney Collier was born in Northern Virginia where she started dancing at The Dance Academy of Loudoun at an early age. She fell in love with dancing after trying on her first pair of pointe shoes at the age of twelve. Courtney had the great opportunity to train at the Nutmeg Conservatory and Houston Ballet’s Professional Training Division prior to joining Richmond Ballet. She has worked her way up from the Richmond Ballet Trainee Program, through RBII, and into the professional company. She has enjoyed performing in Swan Lake, Val Caniparoli’s Violin, Tom Mattingly’s Jahreszeiten, Malcolm Burn’s Romeo and Juliet, Claudia Schreier’s Lost Keys, George Balanchine’s Serenade, and Ma Cong’s creations on the company. Courtney is thrilled to be starting her second season in the main company and looks forward to the season ahead!
Education & Training
The Dance Academy of Loudoun, The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, Houston Ballet Professional Academy, Richmond Ballet Trainee
What inspired you to become a professional dancer?
Ever since I can remember I would dance around our family room and create little dances to show my family. For Christmas one year, my family bought tickets to see The Richmond Ballet perform The Nutcracker. I instantly fell in love and knew I’d want to be up on that stage one day!
What do you enjoy about being part of Richmond Ballet?
I really enjoy the supportive community Richmond Ballet has to offer between the Artistic Staff and Company Dancers. I love the diverse repertory we perform as well!
What do you like about living in Richmond?
Richmond is such a vibrant city with a beautiful cityscape! I love that there are so many fun places to explore.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing off-stage?
I love traveling, spending time with my friends, and exploring everything Richmond has to offer!
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.
Michael Duncan
Celeste Gaiera
Mikell Graf
Kennady Jackson
Colin Jacob
Khaiyom Khojaev
Annika Kuo
Josiah Lax
Alejandro Mariño Hechavarria
Darius Mealy
Jack Miller
Eri Nishihara
Zacchaeus Page
Naomi Robinson
Kaitlin Roemer
Katrina May Thomas
Izabella Tokev
Ira White
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.
Ma Cong
Artistic Director
Stoner Winslett
Founding Artistic Director
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
