Grace, Jasmine - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

Jasmine Grace

Faculty

Hometown: South Africa // Joined: 1987

Jasmine Grace A.I.S.T.D. (Cecchetti) is trained and qualified in the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet under Joecy Pretorius and Faith de Villiers. After graduating from the Johannesburg School for Art, Ballet and Music under Marjorie Sturman F.R.A.D., Mercedes Molina (Spanish dance), and Jean Beckley (Classical Greek), she joined PACT Ballet, South Africa. She enjoyed the honor of working, studying and performing with renowned teachers, producers, choreographers and artists such as Faith De Villiers, Denise Schultze, Louis Godfrey, Roland Casanave, Ronald Emblen, Ronald Hynd, Nicholas Beriozoff, Andre Prokovsky, Sir Frederick Ashton, Galina Samsova, Dame Margot Fonteyn, Attilio Labis, Natalia Markarova and Ivan Nagy. Ms. Grace also danced in Germany (Staatsteater Wiesbaden), Switzerland (Staatsteater St. Gallen), and New Zealand (Auckland City Opera Ballet). She has also performed in numerous television productions, operas and musicals. Prior to joining SRB in 1987, she was ballet mistress for Ballet Arizona.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
The leadership, mission, and culture.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
The people and the wonderful climate.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Reading and gardening.

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
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Hailey Clevenger
Faculty
Erica Evans
Faculty
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Katelyn Roberts
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator

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.

Maren Topp
SRB Student and Family Administrator
Jamie Eagle
SRB Programs Administrator
David Sandborn
Account & Business Analyst
Amanda Brook
SRB Administrative Manager

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
Shellie Johnson
SRB Music Administrative Assistant
Doris Wylee-Becker
Pianist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Keith Tan
Pianist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Jim Smithson
Pianist
Judy Bice
Pianist
Amy Hruska
Pianist
Ken Myers
Ken Myers
Pianist
Sharon Berg
Pianist

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
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Hailey Clevenger
Faculty
Erica Evans
Faculty
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Katelyn Roberts
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator

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.

Amanda Brook
SRB Administrative Manager
Jamie Eagle
SRB Programs Administrator
Maren Topp
SRB Student and Family Administrator
David Sandborn
Account & Business Analyst

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
Shellie Johnson
SRB Music Administrative Assistant
Doris Wylee-Becker
Pianist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Keith Tan
Pianist
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Jim Smithson
Pianist
Judy Bice
Pianist
Amy Hruska
Pianist
Ken Myers
Ken Myers
Pianist
Sharon Berg
Pianist