Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Jim Smithson
Accompanist
Jim Smithson received a B.S in Mathematics and B.A in English Literature from Virginia Tech. He moved to Richmond after graduation (1976) to go to VCU for graduate studies in Statistics. While in school, he played for Virginia Ballet Theater and Dance Limited along with Mary Fleming. Jim was Vice President of United Virginia Bank (currently Suntrust/Truist ) for 40 years until retirement in 2017. He started playing at Richmond Ballet in 1985 and has played there ever since.
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
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
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.
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.
Rachel Shimkus
School Music Administrator
Sharon Berg
Accompanist
Judy Bice
Accompanist
Amy Hruska
Accompanist
Shellie Johnson
Accompanist
Ken Myers
Accompanist
Dave Robbins
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.
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Igor Antonov
Rehearsal Director
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Gabor Szigeti
Studio Company & Men’s Program Coordinator
Colin Jacob
Faculty
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
SRB Artistic Associate
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate and Répétiteur
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Laurie Beth Baker
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Casey Shepard
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
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
Keith Tan
Accompanist
Joy Weaver
Accompanist