Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson was born in Cincinnati, OH and began studying ballet at age five. She trained at Ballet Tech of Ohio with Claudia Rudolf Barrett and at Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy. Naomi graduated cum laude from Butler University with a bachelor’s degree in Dance Arts Administration in May 2020. She joined RBII for the 20/21 season, after which she was promoted to the Ballet’s professional company.
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 Richmond Ballet II Director
Jerri Kumery
Artistic Associate
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Adult Division Coordinator
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Deanna Seay
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
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Blanton Bradley
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 Richmond Ballet II Director
Jerri Kumery
Artistic Associate
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Adult Division Coordinator
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Deanna Seay
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.
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Blanton Bradley
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
Accompanist
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Weaver
Accompanist