Fagone, Lauren - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

Lauren Fagone

Artistic Associate and Répétiteur

Hometown: Kennett Square, PA // Joined: 2001

Lauren Fagone apprenticed with North Carolina Dance Theatre and studied further at Indiana University before joining Richmond Ballet. Lauren performed professionally with Richmond Ballet from 2001-2015, including leading roles in works that span the spectrum of classical and contemporary ballet. She toured with the company, nationally and internationally, performing on grand stages like the Kennedy Center, the Joyce Theater, the Royal Opera House of London, as well as theatres in Beijing and Shanghai. After the conclusion of her performing career, Lauren maintained her connection to the dance world through work as a répétiteur and guest ballet master, having worked with BalletMet, Sacramento Ballet, Guangzhou Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet Des Moines, and Barak Ballet. She returned to Richmond Ballet in 2019 as the School of Richmond Ballet’s Adult Program Coordinator, helping to grow the Adult Division community while emphasizing mutual support, empowerment, and inclusivity. Lauren joined the Artistic Staff in 2022 and is currently an Artistic Associate and Répétiteur with the professional company.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
Being in a position where I can build a community based on inclusivity and mutual support.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
After growing up through the company, Richmond is truly home.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Volunteering at RACC and SPCA, going on trail hikes and outdoor adventures with my family.

School of

Richmond Ballet

FACULTY  /   ADMINISTRATION  /   MUSICIANS

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
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
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.

Portrait of Rachel Shimkus
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Price\
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
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
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.

Portrait of Rachel Shimkus
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Price\
Joy Weaver
Accompanist
Doris Wylee-Becker
Musician