Richmond Ballet
The State Ballet of Virginia
Ira White
Faculty
Ira White, native to Richmond, VA, discovered his love for dance through Richmond Ballet’s Minds In Motion program. Soon after, he began his training at School of Richmond Ballet (SRB) and rose through the ranks of the school. During his 11 years dancing professionally (three years in RBII and eight in the main company) he has had the privilege of working with many renowned choreographers, including Carmen de Lavallade, Jennifer Archibald, and Val Caniparoli among many others. Several performance highlights include Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free, José Limón’s The Moor’s Pavane, and John Butler’s Carmina Burana. Along with dancing, he also teaches Theatre Dance to SRB students and has been named a rehearsal assistant for the company this season
What do you enjoy about being part of Richmond Ballet?
Being able to see the company I grew up with evolve and change and being a part of that growth and change. And also seeing other students progress and follow in a similar path to how I started and seeing them find their joy and passion for dance.
What do you like about living in Richmond?
It’s my hometown. It’s been nice to see it grow from it’s history to be a city of inclusion and open mindedness and see how it’s starting to truly embrace the arts community.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing off-stage?
I love cooking and going to the movies. I’m also a big comic book nerd and during the Ballet’s off season I like to participate in the local musical theater scene with Virginia Repertory Theater.
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
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
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
Melanie Richards
Faculty
Callye Robinson
Faculty
Naomi Robinson
Faculty
Sarah Ruppel
Faculty
Sabrina Sabino
Faculty
Casey Shepard
Faculty
Susheela Varky
Faculty
Katherine Smothers
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