A visionary artistic leader and internationally acclaimed choreographer, Ma Cong was appointed Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet in July 2024 after four transformative years as the company’s Associate Artistic Director. Since assuming the role, he has ushered in a dynamic new artistic era, expanding the company’s creative vision while honoring its distinguished legacy. Guided by a commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and collaboration, Ma believes ballet has the unique power to inspire, connect, and enrich communities.

Born and trained in China, Ma began his artistic journey at the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy before joining the National Ballet of China. These formative experiences shaped the distinctive artistic voice that flourished after his move to the United States in 1999—one that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences with exceptional musicality, emotional depth, and contemporary theatricality.

Ma spent more than two decades with Tulsa Ballet as both Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer, establishing an international reputation as both a compelling performer and an inventive choreographer. Throughout his performing career, he interpreted works by many of ballet’s most influential choreographers, including Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, George Balanchine, and Christopher Wheeldon.

Since premiering his first ballet, Folia, in 2004, Ma has created original works for leading ballet companies around the world. His first full-length ballet, The Crane Whisperer, premiered at the National Ballet of China and exemplified his signature ability to unite Eastern and Western artistic traditions. His works have been presented at prestigious international dance festivals and performed by companies around the world. In 2017, he expanded his artistic reach with his Broadway debut, collaborating with acclaimed director Julie Taymor on the revival of M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang, starring Clive Owen.

Ma’s artistic achievements have earned widespread recognition. He was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” received the Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography, won both the Audience Favorite and Pointe Magazine Editor’s Choice Award at the 21st Century Choreographic Competition, and was honored with Joffrey Ballet’s Choreographers of Color Award.

As Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet, Ma has redefined the company’s artistic profile through bold programming that celebrates both classical masterpieces and the most compelling voices in contemporary ballet. His inaugural seasons have featured acclaimed masterworks, world premieres, and innovative collaborations, offering audiences fresh, thought-provoking repertory while providing meaningful artistic opportunities for dancers and creators alike. His vision has guided Richmond Ballet toward an expanded artistic profile, presenting audiences with bold repertory, new commissions, and innovative collaborations.

Equally committed to community engagement, Ma champions education, outreach, and artist development as essential pillars of Richmond Ballet’s mission. He has expanded opportunities for meaningful connections with schools, community organizations, donors, and civic partners, reinforcing the company’s role as a vital cultural institution and making ballet more accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Ma envisions Richmond Ballet as a nationally recognized cultural leader and an international artistic ambassador. His long-term vision includes commissioning significant new works, cultivating the next generation of choreographic talent, expanding national and international partnerships and touring opportunities, and creating transformative artistic experiences that reflect the diversity, creativity, and humanity of today’s world. Under his leadership, Richmond Ballet continues to evolve as a vibrant institution where tradition and innovation meet with courage, imagination, and purpose.