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.
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
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
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Keith Tan
Accompanist
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
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
Faculty
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
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Weaver
Accompanist