Richmond Ballet School

[Guest kat789]

I've searched for Richmond, but I haven't found much information on the school.

My mom is taking me up for classes in a few weeks. Does anyone have any information on them? I know they have a website, but it's doesn't have too much info on the school, mostly the company. Any thoughts are much appreciated!

[crzctldt]

Richmond's summer intensive is first rate. DD loved it and saw much improvement in her technique. Instructors were very good.

[Guest kat789]

Just to inform anyone intersted: When my mom called Richmond Ballet about some drop-in classes for a week when my school has fall break, a front office assistant told her that she would check with the teachers and head honchos and get back to us in a day or two. My mom called again, expecting an e-mail of schedules, and was told again that she had to check with the administration official and we would receive an e-mail the next day at the latest. It's been about 2 weeks since the last time we've talked to her. When we talked to "West End Academy," they commented about not being as rude as Richmond Ballet. I have to say, Richmond makes a bad first impression!

[Momof3darlings]

I'm hoping someone will be able to update on the current "graduates" (if any) in this program and what their plans are for next year. If they have company positions, please let us know if those are trainee, apprentice, corp and then male/female. This information helps others track the true success of the program from year to year.

[springflower]

I emailed the head of school. They responded quickly, but said they did not have a published list of graduates. They only said they have some that have gone on to RB and other professional schools.

[cammies]

In case others come looking here and wondering about Richmond Ballet, I thought I should offer an update. I can vouch as a parent that it is a fantastic non-residential pre-pro school which is affiliated and shares the studio with a wonderful professional company, Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia. DD is in the younger levels, but I have gotten to know many families with older dancers who agree the training is great. More than a few parents are former college/professional dancers and chose the school for the training. Certainly, in our years here, we have never experienced anything other than extremely polite, professional staff, personal attention, truly caring teachers, and of course top-quality classical training! The School of Richmond Ballet is known as the place to go for classical age-appropriate training. The website has detailed information about the school to answer any questions most on this board would have, and the staff are very responsive to email.

[springflower]

Cammies, I'm so glad you have found a home at Richmond. I have always found the teaching and preparation of the highest level, but the environment is also warm and like a family. The company itself is also very much like this. I hope dancers will also consider the SI.

[dancermom5]

Can someone with experience give an idea of a typical schedule for an advanced student in Richmond Ballet's Pre-Professional program/

thanks!

[springflower]

There are two different options for the advanced dancer. One is less intense depending on goals, etc. I think the less intense schedule is 4 days of technique/pointe. The intense schedule would have dancing 6 days a week. Technique classes are 1.5 hrs with pointe/variations/or men's work taught afterwards for up to an hour.

Modern, character dance, jazz, and theatre dance are each taught one hour a week. Although there is a good amount of boys in the summer program, not many in the year program so partnering is not common. The SRB ensemble is a performing group that is by audition. It includes rehearsal time each week and then performances. The school also has a trainee program beyond the advanced level that is audition only.