Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Professional Ballet Performances in Richmond, VA
Founded in 1957, Richmond Ballet has evolved from a local dance program into The State Ballet of Virginia, recognized as a premier dance organization. Our mission is to awaken, uplift, and unite human spirits through the transformative power of dance. We maintain an expansive repertory featuring 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces alongside over 90 new works by contemporary choreographers. The company has performed internationally in London and China and at New York City's Joyce Theater.Our School of Richmond Ballet educates over 800 students annually, while community programs like Minds In Motion reach 2,000+ students yearly in Virginia and Israel. We are committed to excellence, passion, and inclusivity, fostering a culture where diverse artists, students, and audiences experience dance's unifying magic. Our vision emphasizes cooperation, discipline, and compassion, positioning dance as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Training
Community Programs
Summer Intensives
School Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We feature internationally acclaimed dancers from 19+ countries
- Our Minds In Motion program impacts 2,000+ students annually
- School educates over 800 students with professional-grade training
- We maintain 90+ contemporary choreographic works in repertory
- Recognized by Dance/USA as a jewel among U.S. dance companies
Services
Ballet Performances
Richmond Ballet presents classical and contemporary works at venues including Dominion Energy Center and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Our repertory spans 19th-century masterpieces to modern choreography by international artists. Annual performances include The Nutcracker and Moving Art series, featuring both established and emerging choreographers.
Dance Training
The School of Richmond Ballet offers comprehensive training for ages 4 through professional levels. Programs include Children's Division, Upper Division, and Trainee Program with mentorship from company dancers. Students receive live accompaniment and performance opportunities in company productions.
Community Programs
Minds In Motion brings dance education to schools across Virginia and Israel. Our programs use dance to teach academic subjects and social-emotional learning. We also offer lecture demonstrations, youth performances, and accessible ticket programs for underserved communities.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs provide immersive dance training for ages 12-21. Participants receive instruction from company artists and guest faculty. The program includes technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation in a professional training environment.
School Partnerships
We collaborate with schools to integrate dance into curricula through residency programs and teacher training. Partners receive customized programming including classroom movement activities, assembly performances, and professional development for educators implementing arts-integrated instruction.
People
Ma Cong
Artistic Director
Internationally recognized choreographer and former dancer with New York City Ballet, leading Richmond Ballet's artistic vision since 2023.
Kathleen Holman
Executive Director
Over 25 years of arts administration experience, overseeing operations and strategic direction for Richmond Ballet's multi-faceted programs.
Judy Jacob
Professional Training Program Director
Former principal dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet, directing professional development programs and mentoring advanced students since 2005.
Jordan Glunt
Minds In Motion Director
Education specialist with decade of experience developing curriculum integrating dance with academic subjects for K-12 students.
Carrie Bilek
Marketing & Communications Director
Marketing professional with 15+ years in performing arts, managing brand strategy and community engagement initiatives.
Questions
What performance venues does Richmond Ballet use?
We perform at Dominion Energy Center and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Leslie Cheek Theater in Richmond, VA.
Does Richmond Ballet offer youth dance training?
Yes, our School serves ages 4-21 with progressive training programs and professional preparation.
Are community engagement programs available outside Virginia?
Our Minds In Motion program extends to Israel through international partnerships.
Can adults participate in dance classes?
Yes, our Adult Division offers classes for recreational and professional enrichment.
How does Richmond Ballet support dance education?
We provide live accompaniment, rehearsal access, and performance opportunities for students.
What donation benefits are available for supporters?
Donors receive tiered benefits including behind-the-scenes access, merchandise discounts, and special events.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Susan S.
Dec 12, 2021
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We went to see The Nutcracker and the performance was beautiful and at times funny! Loved it. The only recommendation is that the little sheep should have taken a bow at the end too!
Izzah Yoni
Jan 08, 2021
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Swan lake was absolutely amazing.. I researched an all black cast show for black history month and couldn't find anything..a little disappointed so let's hope for next year
Byron C.
Jan 05, 2021
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One of the top ballet companies in the country. Performances are held at the Carpenter Center for the larger productions and at their newly renovated headquarters for the Studio Series productions. I can honestly say that the productions have always exceeded my expectations.
Richmond Ballet also teaches ballet from the beginner to adult classes and my daughter has been a student here for years.
The instruction is second to none and they facilities are wonderful. Their Minds in Motion program has brought ballet to students throughout the Richmond Metro area for many years. The Richmond Ballet
Richmond Ballet also teaches ballet from the beginner to adult classes and my daughter has been a student here for years.
The instruction is second to none and they facilities are wonderful. Their Minds in Motion program has brought ballet to students throughout the Richmond Metro area for many years. The Richmond Ballet
Abbie Fretz
Sep 19, 2020
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From the moment I joined the School of Richmond Ballet at 8 years old, I knew ballet was going to be my passion. Everything since then has been wonderful. The performance experiences, the staff, and the way theyve been so organized during COVID-19. With temperature checks, social distancing, Zoom classes, marked barre spots, theyve done an amazing job. Thank you, SRB!
Beth Jones
Sep 19, 2018
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My daughter has been dancing at the School of Richmond Ballet for 8 years. It's the best place to dance if your child has a strong interest in ballet specifically. The additional classes offered are wonderful as well. The teachers are amazing. The company and entire organization is one of Richmond's greatest treasures. The ballet studio itself is a beautiful piece of architecture, and they recently renovated the first and ground floors. It's conveniently located off the downtown expressway. We love Richmond Ballet.
Joshua Griffin
Jan 21, 2018
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My daughter took classes there. A little too old fashioned for our taste. There was a nice, young, more modern instructor, which we liked very much. Overall a great place to learn ballet.
