Ruppel, Sarah - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

Sarah Ruppel

Faculty

Hometown: Annapolis, MD // Joined: 2010

Sarah Ruppel Bullis began her dance studies at the age of four with the Ballet Theatre of Maryland and at thirteen continued her training at the Washington School of Ballet. She spent her summers attending intensive programs at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and American Ballet Theatre of New York. After graduating, she studied for one year in the College Conservatory of Music’s B.F.A. program at the University of Cincinnati. She was then privileged to train with Edward Ellison in the first year of his pre-professional program in New York City before joining the Richmond Ballet as a Trainee. She enjoyed a professional career with the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, under the direction of Iain Webb, before returning to Richmond and joining the SRB faculty in 2010.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
I love working in a community of people that is devoted to uplifting and inspiring people of all ages and that preserves the purity of ballet technique in the training of young dancers.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
I am glad to be living in a city that supports the arts!

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my time off I love traveling the world with my husband, Ray, and daughter, Eva.

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.

Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
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.

Misha Joao
SRB Student and Family 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.

Portrait of Rachel Shimkus
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
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.

Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Katherine Smothers headshot, Associate School Director, Community Engagement.
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

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
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