Kumery, Jerri - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

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.

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 Richmond Ballet II Director
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Adult Division Coordinator
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
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
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
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
Kate Fillenwarth
School Administrator

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
Portrait Blanton Bradley, MInds In Motion Music Supervisor.
Blanton Bradley
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 Richmond Ballet II Director
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Adult Division Coordinator
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
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
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
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.

Sarah Ferguson headshot, Operations Director and Company Photographer.
Sarah Ferguson
Education & Community Programs Director and Company Photographer
Kate Fillenwarth
School 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
Portrait Blanton Bradley, MInds In Motion Music Supervisor.
Blanton Bradley
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