Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Melanie Richards received her B.A. and M.A. Degrees in Dance/Performance from the University of California, Los Angeles. Throughout her career, she performed as part of the Margalit Dance Theater, Eyes Wide Open Dance Theater, and Repertory West Dance Theater. Melanie was also a guest artist at California State University, Fresno; University of California, Riverside; University of California, Santa Barbara;, Scripps College; Dartmouth College; and Denison University. From 1982-2017 she was an Associate Professor, Department of Dance and Choreography, at Virginia Commonwealth University.
What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
The high level of integrity and artistry, the wonderful faculty and students and the School Director, Judy Jacob
What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
Richmond is a very livable city with a good “urban vibe”. There is an emerging food scene with great new restaurants, support for the arts continues to expand and the city is in a wonderful geographic location with beautiful natural surroundings as well as easy access to Washington D.C. and New York!
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I travel, dine in lovely restaurants, ride my bike, walk along the river, binge watch Netflix!
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
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Hailey Clevenger
Faculty
Erica Evans
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Katelyn Roberts
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
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
Senior Accountant
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Shellie Johnson
SRB Music Administrative Assistant
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
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Hailey Clevenger
Faculty
Erica Evans
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Katelyn Roberts
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Ira White
Faculty
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
Senior Accountant
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator