Smothers, Katherine - Richmond Ballet
photoshoot

Katherine Smothers

Faculty

Hometown: Richmond, VA // Joined: 1992

Katherine Smothers received her dance training through School of Richmond Ballet. After graduating magna cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BA in Political Science, she joined Richmond Ballet’s professional company for 6 seasons, loving dancing both classical and new works. During that time, she became a founding teaching artist with Minds In Motion. Upon retiring from the company, Katherine continued as a MIM teaching artist enjoying bringing the power of dance to area 4th-graders. Over the years, she assisted in writing and directing culminating MIM performances, and helped to establish the residency in Israel. She continues to oversees MIM residency programs around Virginia and teaches for the Ambassador program bridging new dancers into the School of Richmond Ballet.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Richmond Ballet?
I love the fact that the art is above all the center of why we do what we do in every department and inspires all those we work with from students to patrons. I have been able to meet and work with extraordinary artists and students. This job afforded me the amazing opportunity to travel annually the last 10 years to teach residency in the State of Israel.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Richmond?
I love most that there are so many amazing things to do and explore such as the river, parks, bike trails, and museums that reflect diversity of Richmond and the sense of community.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love traveling and exploring with my wonderful family and especially enjoy gardening and DIY projects.

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.

Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Holland
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Ira White
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 headshot, Operations Director and Company Photographer.
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.

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.

Judy Jacob headshot, Artistic Associate & School Director.
Judy Jacob
Artistic Associate & Chairman of Faculty
Tara Penick
Tara Penick
School of Richmond Ballet Director
Igor Antonov headshot, Richmond Ballet II Director & Ballet Master.
Igor Antonov
Artistic Associate and Studio Company Director
Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay
Trainee Program Coordinator
Portrait Placeholder - Male
Gabor Szigeti
Men’s Program Coordinator
Cecile Tuzli
Cecile Tuzii
Ensembles Coordinator
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Anne Sidney Hetherington
Children's & Lower Division Coordinator
Lauren Fagone
Artistic Associate
Starrene Foster
Starrene Foster
Faculty
Kristen Gallagher
Faculty
Jasmine Grace
Jasmine Grace
Faculty
Keeley Hernandez
Faculty
Susan Israel Massey
Susan Israel Massey
Faculty
Eri Nishihara
Eri Nishihara
Faculty
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel Bullis
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Holland
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Ira White
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 headshot, Operations Director and Company Photographer.
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.

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