Richmond Ballet

Studio Finale / In Rehearsal for 'What's Going On'

Take a peek into Val Caniparoli's rehearsal for his stirring ballet "What's Going On." Do not miss Studio Finale, featuring this outstanding work, alongside Ma Cong's 'Enchalant' Sept 17-22 in our Studio Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit richmondballet.com/studio

Thank you Richmond magazine for including us in our Fall Arts Preview. Take a look now!

Fall Arts Preview 2024: Dance Area ensembles step it up.

Studio Finale / In Rehearsal for 'En Chalant'

Entitled 'En Chalant,' a play on the word nonchalant, Ma Cong's new work is inspired by the moving, dynamic music to which it is set. Our company dancers have been hard at work in the studio learning this emotional, energetic, and physical ballet.

Do not miss Ma Cong's latest World Premiere ballet at Studio Finale September 17-22 in our Studio Theatre. Paired with 'En Chalant' will be the revival of Val Caniparoli's powerful 'What's Going On.' For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit richmondballet.com/studio-finale

Photos by Sarah Ferguson

Check out Style Weekly's preview of Studio Finale now!

Music in Motion - Style Weekly The songs are essential in Richmond Ballet’s farewell to its Studio Theatre.

Studio Finale opens in exactly one week!

We could not be more excited to present this final, powerful performance in our Studio Theatre before moving to VMFA in the spring. Join us to be a part of the history of Richmond Ballet!

Studio Finale features two moving ballets: 'What's Going On' by Val Caniparoli and 'En Chalant,' a World Premiere by Ma Cong. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit richmondballet.com/studio-finale

Experience the Magic of Ballet: A Free Community Event in partnership with CultureWorks artoberVA 2024!

We are delighted to announce that in partnership with CultureWorks Richmond and in celebration of artoberVA 2024, we will be hosting a free Lecture Demonstration on Saturday, October 5! Join us in our 3rd floor studios for a unique, engaging adaptation of the classic story ballet 'Cinderella.' This free event offers community members the opportunity to see our Studio Company dancers in an up-close, family friendly, and interactive way.

Unlike a typical ballet performance, 'Cinderella' will be presented in a dynamic lecture-demonstration style, with plenty of audience interaction, all led by a very special narrator - Cinderella's bossy stepsister! While this 45 minute demonstration is open to everyone, it is most suitable for children, Pre-K through 5th grade, and their families. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the magic!

Registration is required for ages 2 and up. To register, please visit: https://secure.richmondballet.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events #/events/8375

Charleston Gaillard Center / On Tour in South Carolina

We could not be more excited to tour to South Carolina in exactly six weeks! We will be performing John Butler's 'Carmina Burana' at the stunning Gaillard Center in Charleston on Friday, October 18th. In partnership with the Charleston Symphony and featuring 64 musicians and 90 singers from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus, this monumental performance will showcase the brazen strength and hypnotizing passion of Butler’s original choreography, bringing to life one of the most groundbreaking ballets of the 20th century.

Alongside this heart-pounding ballet, we will also perform Ma Cong's latest creation which is set to premiere in our Studio Theatre on September 17th.

For more information about this powerful performance, please visit https://gaillardcenter.org/events/carmina-burana/

Studio Finale / ‘What’s Going On’

Experience the timeless power of movement and music in Val Caniparoli’s ‘What’s Going On.’ Paired with the World Premiere of Ma Cong’s latest ballet, Studio Finale promises to captivate and inspire. Join us for this showstopping performance September 17-22! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit richmondballet.com/studio-finale

‘What’s Going On’
Choreography by Val Caniparoli
Costume Design by Susan Roemer
Lighting and Projection Design by Trad A Burns
Photo by Sarah Ferguson

Do not miss Studio Finale Sept. 17-22! This celebration of the Studio Theatre will feature works by two choreographers beloved in our Richmond Ballet community. Catch Val Caniparoli's "What's Going On," a revival that captivated and enthralled audiences when it first premiered in 2022, and a World Premiere by new Artistic Director Ma Cong.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit richmondballet.com/studio-finale

Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts is turning 15 🎉

The venue is a hub for many local performing arts organizations (including Richmond Ballet!) to share their art forms with the Richmond community!

Join us along with Richmond Performing Arts Alliance and the venue’s Resident Companies on September 8th at 1:00pm for a FREE Community Arts Open House! Kick off the arts season with a day of hands-on activities, art-making workshops, theatre tours, demonstrations, and performances all in celebration of the transformative power of the arts!

Pre-registration is encouraged but optional. All pre-registered parties will be entered into a drawing to receive free tickets courtesy of ASM Global-Richmond. Visit RPAA’s website to learn more! https://rpaalliance.com/15th_anniversary/

Our first performance of the season opens September 17!

Join us as we bid farewell to our Studio Theatre, a space that has introduced our community to so many extraordinary choreographers, including Ma Cong. To celebrate both this special stage and his new role as artistic director, Ma will kick off the season with a world premiere that is sure to captivate audiences and leave them eager for what is to come.

Paired with Ma’s new work will be Val Caniparoli’s 'What’s Going On,' a powerful exploration of the modern human experience that was an instant hit when it premiered in our Studio Theatre in 2022. Told through the lens of popular protest songs by artists such as Bob Dylan and Marvin Gaye, as well as compelling images and headlines, this thought-provoking work examines the themes of love, social justice, and finding peace in a troubled world. With its dynamic choreography and evocative storytelling, 'What’s Going On' resonates deeply with audiences, sparking reflection, empathy, and hope.

Tickets start at $25. Visit richmondballet.com/studio-finale or call the Richmond Ballet Box Office at 804.344.0906 x224.

Meet our newest dancers! Thank you Style Weekly!

A Fleet of New Feet - Style Weekly Three new dancers bring a diversity of experience to Richmond Ballet's professional company.

Please join us in welcoming Laurie Beth “LB” Baker to our Adult Division Teaching Staff!

Starting next month, LB Baker will take over the Adult Modern classes, bringing a wealth of knowledge and energy to our program. With a rich background in modern training, competition technique classes, theater, and academic classes, LB brings a unique blend of originality, purpose, and meaning to her work as a choreographer and teacher. Her approach to dance is deeply informed by her commitment to integrating dance history into her classes, helping students appreciate the roots of their movement vocabulary. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual self-worth while enjoying the beauty and joy of dance!

To celebrate LB's arrival, we will offer a free trial class on Thursday, August 29th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for both current and new students to experience LB's teaching style and get to know her. Please sign up for this class by filling out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/DWyTcAUWigrQTUqi7

You are invited to School of Richmond Ballet for a special 50th Anniversary Back to School Open House!

Current and prospective SRB students and parents are invited to join us for a discussion about the curriculum and structure of the School, a chance to register if you have not yet already, a tour of the building, a peek into Professional Company rehearsal, and a free dance class for all students attending.

Children’s Division students (4-7 years old):
Wednesday, August 28th from 5-6 PM or
Tuesday, September 3rd from 5-6 PM

Lower Division students (8-12 years old):
Thursday, August 29th from 5-6 PM

At Richmond Ballet, 407 E Canal Street, Richmond VA 23219

Students are welcome to wear their SRB Dress Code attire or any comfortable clothing they can move in for the dance class. Please sign up via the Google form and check in upon arrival in the lobby at Richmond Ballet. We hope you will join us to kick off an exciting new school year! Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYvwEYHegodSKgacDyDyHiZlTwLGvptb_vIID5RGUvaq-mw/viewform

You are invited to School of Richmond Ballet for a special 50th Anniversary Back to School Open House!

Current and prospective SRB students and parents are invited to join us for a discussion about the curriculum and structure of the School, a chance to register if you have not yet already, a tour of the building, a peek into Professional Company rehearsal, and a free dance class for all students attending.

Children’s Division students (4-7 years old):
Wednesday, August 28th from 5-6 PM or
Tuesday, September 3rd from 5-6 PM

Lower Division students (8-12 years old):
Thursday, August 29th from 5-6 PM

At Richmond Ballet, 407 E Canal Street, Richmond VA 23219

Students are welcome to wear their SRB Dress Code attire or any comfortable clothing they can move in for the dance class. Please sign up via the Google form and check in upon arrival in the lobby at Richmond Ballet. We hope you will join us to kick off an exciting new school year! Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRYvwEYHegodSKgacDyDyHiZlTwLGvptb_vIID5RGUvaq-mw/viewform

Pointe sat down with Artistic Director Ma Cong to chat about stepping into this new role. Check it out now! https://pointemagazine.com/ma-cong-richmond-ballet-artistic-director/ .tab=0

Single tickets for the 24/25 season are on sale now! Many of our performances sold out last season, so be sure to get your seats now before they're gone!

Tickets to all of our productions start at $25. Tickets can be purchased online at richmondballet.com/tickets, by phone at 804.344.0906 x224 or in person at the Richmond Ballet Box Office.

2024-2025 SEASON

STUDIO FINALE | September 17-22, 2024 at Richmond Ballet Studio Theatre featuring ‘What’s Going On’ by Val Caniparoli and A World Premiere by Ma Cong.

THE NUTCRACKER by Stoner Winslett | December 7-23, 2024 with Richmond Symphony at Dominion Energy Center

CINDERELLA by Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. | February 14-16, 2025 with Richmond Symphony at Dominion Energy Center

MOVING ART 1 | March 20-30, 2025 at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts featuring ‘Pentaptych’ by Ma Cong, 'After the Rain’ by Christopher Wheeldon, and 'Lambarena’ by Val Caniparoli.

MOVING ART 2 | May 8-18, 2025 at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts featuring 'Slump’ by Joshua L. Peugh, ‘Echoing Past’ by Stoner Winslett, and ‘Fading Creatures,’ a World Premiere by Yury Yanowsky.

Photo Credits:
1) Richmond Ballet dancers in 'What’s Going On' by Val Caniparoli. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
2) Ma Cong in the studio with Richmond Ballet dancers. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
3) Richmond Ballet dancers in 'The Nutcracker' by Stoner Winslett. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
4) 'Cinderella' by Ben Stevenson, O.B.E. Photo courtesy of Tulsa Ballet.
5) 'Pentaptych' by Ma Cong. Photo courtesy of Tulsa Ballet.
6) Carly Wheaton and Gabriel Gaffney Smith in 'After The Rain' by Christopher Wheeldon, O.B.E. Photo courtesy of BalletMet. Photo by Jennifer Zmuda.
7) BalletMet dancers in 'Lambarena' by Val Caniparoli. Scenic & Costume Designs by Sandra Woodall. Photo Courtesy of BalletMet. Photo by Jennifer Zmuda.
8 ) Richmond Ballet dancers in 'Echoing Past' by Stoner Winslett. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.
9) 'Slump' by Joshua L. Peugh. Photo courtesy of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance. Photo by Ok Sang Hoon.
10) Yury Yanowsky in the studio with Richmond Ballet dancers. Photo by Sarah Ferguson.

Join us for a special community master class with esteemed West African dance specialist Naomi Johnson-Diouf! This free class, open to ages 12+, is an incredible chance to explore the vibrant rhythms and movements of West African dance.

📅 Date: Monday, August 12, 2024, or Wednesday, August 14, 2024
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Richmond Ballet Studios, 407 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA 23219
👟 Attire: Dance/athletic wear; bare feet, socks, or ballet shoes, and a water bottle

Learn from Naomi's vast expertise and experience the cultural richness of West African dance firsthand. Don't miss this unique opportunity! Space is limited, so please sign up for only one class:

Monday, August 12: Register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe96T0FnupxMynVmQ_RGzF9DTC8ePFDmLkVklFwElLK5Cvupw/viewform

OR

Wednesday, August 14: Register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3-id2tIixxwm8wngQX6dtRKs9lJSJKqySPJauIy5uRMj3Og/viewform

Let's celebrate the beauty of West African dance together!

Thank you for having us in the studio VPM!

🩰For 40 years, the Richmond Ballet has been led by one woman, who kind of started it all. On July 1st, all of that changed. What will having a new artistic director mean for the future of this beloved cultural institution? Don’t miss this episode of “RVA’s Got Issues": https://rvasgotissues.vpm.org/

Come dance with us this school year!!

Fall registration is now open for our Children's and Lower Divisions! The programming for our youngest students provides a strong ballet foundation while cultivating a love of dance in a fun and supportive atmosphere. To register now, please visit richmondballet.com/register

2024-2025 Season // Group Tickets

Dreaming of a Winter Wonderland this hot summer? Can't wait for 'The Nutcracker' tickets to go on sale? Gather a group and get early access to all of our season performances as Group Tickets are on sale now!

Groups of 10 or more receive a discount of 15% if tickets are reserved during our group sales priority period, now through October 18. Group reservations made after the priority period has ended will receive a 10% discount. Visit richmondballet.com/groups to learn more.

2024-2025 Season // Flex Subscriptions

Secure your tickets for the 24/25 season now, before single tickets go on sale to the general public!

With our Flex Subscription, you can choreograph your own subscription series and save 15%! Choose a minimum of three performances you would most like to see at the times that best suit your schedule, plus receive an array of discounts and benefits. Visit richmondballet.com/flex to learn more.

Pictured: Jack Miller and Naomi Robinson in "What's Going On," choregraphed by Val Caniparoli. Photo by Sarah Ferguson. Catch this moving ballet alongside a world premiere by Ma Cong during our Studio Finale performances Sept. 17-22

Welcome newest company dancer Kaitlin Roemer!

Kaitlin began dancing in her hometown of Highland, Michigan at MMDCo. Her love of ballet led her to Ballet Detroit at the Detroit Opera House before pursuing pre-professional training at Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education. Following two years in Atlanta Ballet 2, she has spent the last two seasons as a Company Dancer at Atlanta Ballet! Kaitlin is most looking forward to this upcoming season's captivating programming and to being inspired by the dancers and artistic staff at Richmond Ballet! Fun fact - Kaitlin is a cat mom to her beloved fur baby named Tchaikovsky!

Kaitlin - we are delighted to have you join the company! We are so looking forward to the artistry and talent that you will bring to Richmond.

Photo by Keaton Leier.

We are delighted to introduce new company dancer Alejandro Mariño Hechavarria!

Alejandro began dancing in his home country of Cuba at the Cuba National Ballet School and then with the National Ballet of Cuba. He came to the United States in the summer of 2022 to train at Hollywood Ballet Academy in South Florida, under the direction of Adiarys Almeida and Taras Domitro. Alejandro joins us from BalletMet after dancing with their second company BalletMet2 in the 23/24 season. He says that he is most looking forward to continuing his professional career at Richmond Ballet and to "making a beautiful familia" with all of our company dancers!

Alex - we cannot wait to see your power and grace on our stage! Welcome to the Richmond Ballet family.

Photo 1 by Jen Zmuda. Courtesy of BalletMet.
Photo 2 by ArtisticPixels.

Make sure to check back tomorrow as we have one more new company member to introduce!

Please join us in welcoming new company dancer Annika Kuo!

Originally from Princeton, NJ, Annika began her dance training at Princeton Ballet School, also known as American Repertory Ballet, before going on to graduate with a BFA in Contemporary Dance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She joins us from BalletX in Philadelphia where she danced with the company for two seasons. She is looking forward to learning our diverse repertory, dancing under Ma Cong's new artistic leadership, and performing in The Nutcracker this December!

Annika - welcome to Richmond Ballet! We are so excited to witness your artistry and get to know you on and off the stage!

Photos by Steven Vandervelden.

Stay tuned to our social media this weekend as we introduce our newest company dancers.