Smothers, Katherine - Richmond Ballet

Katherine Smothers

MINDS IN MOTION ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE AND TEACHING ARTIST

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.

Katherine's Q&A

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 the 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.

Minds In Motion TEAM

The Minds In Motion Team at Richmond Ballet is made up of professional teaching artists and musicians who bring their love, passion and experience of dance to each of their students. They embody the organization’s belief that dance has the unique power to uplift our lives and bring communities together.