Jerri Kumery

Artistic Associate

Hometown: Tulsa, OK // Joined: 2007

Jerri Kumery began her studies at the age of 14 with Roman Jasinski and Moscelyn Larkin in Tulsa, Oklahoma and and one year later, she was given a Full Scholarship by Violette Verdy to attend George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet. In 1977, Ms. Kumery was invited to join New York City Ballet, under the artistic direction of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. During her 10 years, she had the privilege to be an original cast member in George Balanchine’s Mozartiana and in Jerome Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs, I’m Old Fashioned, and In Memory of… Due to an early retirement in 1987, because of injury to both knees, Barbara Horgan graciously supported Ms. Kumery’s transition, along with coaching and guidance by Victoria Simon, into becoming a Répétiteur for The George Balanchine Trust and has been staging and passing on Balanchine Works nationally and internationally. Ms. Kumery served as a Répétiteur for Ballet Teatro Lirico Nacional, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and in 1990 became Ballet Master and Associate Artistic Director with North Carolina Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Salvatore Aiello. She served as Acting Artistic Director for the 1995-1996 Season after the passing of Mr. Aiello. She continued to serve as Co-Associate Artistic Director with Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux until 2006. In May 1997, Ms. Kumery was awarded an Arts & Science Council Fellowship for her meritorious contribution to the artistic community of Charlotte, North Carolina. She created The Salvatore Aiello Trust and Website: salvatoreaiello.org and serves as Curator and Répétiteur to Salvatore Aiello Works. Jerri Kumery joined the Richmond Ballet in 2007, under the artistic direction of Stoner Winslett. In 2022, she became an Artistic Associate to Stoner Winslett and Ma Cong and continues to serve Richmond Ballet with much gratitude.