Massey, Susan Israel - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

Susan Israel Massey

Faculty

Hometown: The Dalles, Oregon // Joined: 1992

Susan Israel Massey joined the faculty in 1992. She is also an adjunct faculty member, since 1976, at Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her M.F.A. degree in ballet and modern dance from the University of Utah, under William Christensen and pursued additional training in Russia, Denmark, Europe and England during a year of study abroad. She performed with and choreographed for what is now Ballet West. Her teaching career spans over 50 years in professional organizations, college festivals, and schools, including University of Utah, BYU, University of Wyoming, University of Richmond, Virginia Ballet Theatre and St. Catherine’s. In 1990 she designed and implemented a four-year dance program for the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School. She occasionally performs character roles in the full-length ballets presented by Richmond Ballet.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
Doing what I love in a quality environment and with other highly qualified professionals, including a professional ballet company housed in the same building!

What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
• The cultural scene, which is vibrant (regional theatre, dance, art and museums)
• Four distinct seasons and proximity to Interesting towns and cities, mountains and coast.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Most enjoy time with my family, which includes four young grandchildren.
Gardening, time with friends, creative projects of all kinds and travel
Attending theatre productions, art museums, cultural events

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.

Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Holland
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Ira White
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.

Sarah Ferguson headshot, Operations Director and Company Photographer.
Sarah Ferguson
Education & Community Programs Director and Company Photographer
Misha Joao
SRB Student and Family Administrator
Kate Fillenwarth
SRB Programs 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.

Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Holland
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
Ira White
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
Sarah Ferguson headshot, Operations Director and Company Photographer.
Sarah Ferguson
Education & Community Programs Director and Company Photographer
Kate Fillenwarth
SRB Programs 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