Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Tara Penick is from North Carolina where she received her early ballet training in Chapel Hill with M’Liss Dorrance and Jennifer Potts and expanded her training with the American Dance Festival. After completing her degree in International Studies at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Tara moved to New York City, studying with Milton Myers, Chet Walker, with the Merce Cunningham Studio, and at STEPS on Broadway as a scholarship student. While in NYC, she taught with Eliot Feld at Feld Ballets/NY (now Ballet Tech), directed the Children’s Program at Broadway Dance Center, choreographed new works for the American Place Theatre (off-Broadway), and filmed with the Children’s Television Workshop for Sesame Street. Tara has choreographed more than thirty musical theatre productions in over twenty states and continues to travel nationally as a choreographer. Tara joined the SRB faculty in 1997 and most recently served as Associate School Director – Training. In addition to her work teaching ballet and theatre dance at SRB, Tara enjoys choreographing projects for the SRB Ensembles such as Carnival of the Animals, An American In Paris, and Appalachian Spring and collaborating with the Richmond Symphony for their popular Lollipops Series.
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.
For all administrative matters, including make-up classes, questions about the schedule or enrollment, or any administrative matter whatsoever, please contact Maren Topp, SRB Student and Family Administrator, at 804.344.0906 x222 or mtopp@richmondballet.com or Amanda Brooke, SRB Administrative Manager, at 804.344.0906 x239 or abrook@richmondballet.com. We look forward to helping you with any questions you may have!
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.
Music Administrators
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.
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.
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.
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.