Richmond Academy of Ballet

New Students, Register Here:

https://raballet.com/portal/registration-new-summer/

or Visit RABallet.com

Story Book Ballet Camp (3-5 years old) Mon-Fri 9:00-12:00

Our Story Book Ballet Camp captures the imagination of our little ones with magic and fairytales. It funnels their natural enthusiasm into creative exercises that teach more than just dancing. While the children’s bodies practice balance, strength, and coordination, their minds work on creativity, musical awareness, and memory.

In addition to dancing, children will learn ballet stories and participate in dance-centric crafts. The children will prepare a short performance for all of their families to enjoy at the end of the week at 12:00.

June 5-9/ June 12-16/ June 26-30

$235 per week

Ballet 2B, 3, and 5 in our Majestic Garden Scene of Dragon Gate!!

We are so proud of all of our dancers.

Contemporary Summer Intensive:
July 10-July 14 9AM-2:30 PM
Cost: $329 or $150 as an Add-on to the Complete Summer Package
Age: 11+
Registration open to the public

Our week-long intensive provides a comprehensive exploration of contemporary dance. Technical training and creative expansion are the focus, with improvisation and composition exercises to encourage artistic expression. Dance history classes cover both past and current companies and choreographers in the contemporary dance world. At the end of the week, parents are invited to see their child's skills and repertoire in an informal showing.

At RAB, we are committed to nurturing the whole dancer, both in their craft and their personal growth. Our staff fosters a relationship of care and trust with the dancers to encourage their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Our holistic approach to movement aims to develop the whole child, not just the dancer. Our contemporary program provides valuable skills for students pursuing professional careers, as well as enriching experiences that will last a lifetime.

Our show is 1 week away! Get your tickets:

https://raballet.com/portal/tickets/

Richmond Academy of Ballet will present "Peter & the Wolf" and "Dragon Gate"


Friday, May 19th 7pm
Saturday, May 20th 1pm
Saturday, May 20th 5pm
Sunday, May 21st 2:30pm



Providence Middle School
900 Starlight Lane
Richmond Va 23235
Tickets on Sale Soon!


"Peter and the Wolf"

Sergei Prokofiev wrote the story and composed the music for Peter and the Wolf in 1936. It was written in two weeks for a children's theatre in Moscow. He wrote the music as a child's introduction to the orchestra with each character being represented by an instrument or group of instruments. Peter and the Wolf was an immediate success and continues to be enjoyed today by children all over the world.

"Dragon Gate"

This ballet will be inspired by the Asian Mythological story of a koi fish who turns into a dragon. As a reward for its strength and determination, the gods turned the lone koi into a golden dragon. This legend is know as "The Dragon Gate", and best explains why koi have become symbolic of perserevance through adversity.

Peter and the Wolf is just 17 days away!

What character is this in our show?

A wonderful shout out to moms for making these amazing props and scenery! .p.dodson , and Karlee Norell❤️

Come see this charming rendition of a classic story!

WE CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS SHOW!

Our parents rock at creating beautiful art for our show!

This is just one piece and can’t wait to show you more.

If you’re looking for a story ballet to share with your family come and see us May 19-21 as we present “Peter & the Wolf” and “Dragon Gate”.

Two short ballets so different from each other.

Come see what Richmond Academy of Ballet is all about!

Tickets! ➡️ https://raballet.com/portal/tickets/email.php

Jack Bettin/ Owner & Artistic Director

Jack Bettin has had the good fortune to have been mentored by three masters of ballet - Roudolf Kharatian, Linda Kintz, and Mark Mejia. These three masters instilled in him an understanding of ballet that is both deeply rooted in the Russian tradition and cutting edge in its expression.

He has trained on scholarship at the Washington School of Ballet, Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, STEPS on Broadway, the Virginia School of the Arts and also at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Jack has been certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and as a Gravity Yoga Teacher through Yoga Teachers College.

Jack has performed as a company member with the Sacramento Ballet, ARKA Ballet, the Washington National Opera, the Omaha Theater Company, Manassas Ballet Theatre (where he met the love of his life and long time partner, Michelle), and the Columbus Dance Theatre. He has enjoyed performing in theaters from New York to California, and many places in between.

Towards the end of his performing career, Jack served as the Principal Instructor, Choreographer, and Manager for the Falls Church School of Ballet under Linda Kintz and Mark Mejia. Among his former students are professional dancers and performers both in the United States and abroad.

In addition to his career in ballet, Jack is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and has worked as a Captain, Manager, Sommelier, and Wine Director in many restaurants, some of which have earned highly coveted Michelin stars. Among them are The Inn at Little Washington, Minibar by Jose Andres, and Tail Up Goat. His time in hospitality has forged an awareness that extends to each individual student in his classes and has inspired him to create a reverent and welcoming culture in his school.

About Michelle Bettin.

Artistic Director of Richmond Academy of Ballet.
Michelle Bettin has danced professionally with Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Columbus Dance Theatre, and Manassas Ballet Theatre, where she met her husband and dance partner, Jack Bettin.

At nineteen, Michelle was a semi-finalist in the XII International Ballet Competition, Trujillo, Peru. She later returned that year to teach American jazz dance in Lima, and Arequipa, Peru.

She received her early training through Maryland Ballet Theatre and Georgetown School of Ballet. Michelle is a Cum Laude graduate of Towson University in Dance Performance and Choreography and has been certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer.

Later in life, Michelle studied ballet pedagogy through Mark Mejia and Linda Kintz, from Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet.

Michelle has been the Academy Director for Metropolitan Ballet Theatre - a non- profit arts organization, and on faculty with The Washington School of Ballet, Maryland Youth Ballet, and Joy of Motion.

Richmond Academy of Ballet is a passion project. We are a married couple who have devoted our lives to this beautiful craft. We've grown up with it, it has provided us with a living as performers and teachers, and now our daughter is being raised steeped in this fabulous culture.

We love all of our students! We push them individually. Every child is different and has different strengths and weaknesses. We help them to find their inner strength and confidence. We don't just teach dance, we teach the whole student.

Come join our family! We would love to help you reach your fullest potentials in the art of classical dance and beyond.

Dancing Through Life: Rudolph Kharatyan's Journey Back to Armenia

Mr. Jack Bettin's mentor, Roudolf Kharatian.

https://youtu.be/qFqdr6GMtMA

at 5:55 you may recognize a picture that we have at the studio.

3:44 "I hated watching ballet on tv".... very interesting how he changed his mind

15:57 is Sona, his daughter, who is now Ballet Mistress of Washington Ballet.

Dancing Through Life: Rudolph Kharatyan's Journey Back to Armenia Rudolph Kharatyan has come full circle as a dancer, artist and choreographer. His life's journey led him to be the principle dancer of Soviet Armenia's Natio...

This is a week-long intensive where dancers will be immersed into the world of contemporary dance as they experience technical training, and creative expansion.
For ages 10 & up
Cost: $329 or $150 for those enrolled in the RAB Summer Package
To enroll:
https://raballet.com/portal/registration-new-summer/
Have questions? Email [email protected]

This is a week-long intensive where dancers will be immersed into the world of contemporary dance as they experience technical training, and creative expansion.

For ages 10 & up

Cost: $329 or $150 for those enrolled in the RAB Summer Package

To enroll:

https://raballet.com/portal/registration-new-summer/

Have questions? Email [email protected]

Pre-professional Ballet Intensive (12 & up) Mon-Fri 9:00-3:00

(new students must take a placement class)

The Pre-professional Ballet Intensive is for experienced dancers who want a taste of what it’s like to be a professional dancer. The main curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe, variations, pas de deux, and contemporary.

This a 3 week (Level B4)* or 4 week (Level B5/ Level B6) camp where students will perform in selections from the ballet, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and a new contemporary work on their last day at 3:00.

After lunch, students will be exposed to other forms of dance, classes in acting, dance history, and choreographic composition. Their day finishes with a rehearsal and/or a deep stretch class.

Contact Us for a placement class

Level B4 July 24-August 11 (B4 is welcome to begin on July 17th with B5/6 if they like)


Level B5 & Level B6 July 17-August 11

For more information on pricing: https://www.raballet.com/pages/?page_id=230222131455

Looking for summer camps! We have great ones!!!

Support Richmond Academy of Ballet Spring Show 2023 for the many moving parts to make this amazing show happen.

Who wants an awesome shirt!?https://www.customink.com/fundraising/richmond-academy-of-ballet-spring-show-2023?utm_campaign=desktop-campaign-page-share-v3&utm_content=richmond-academy-of-ballet-spring-show-2023&utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link

Support Richmond Academy of Ballet Spring Show 2023 for the many moving parts to make this amazing show happen. Who wouldn't look awesome sporting this T-shirt around, designed by one of our mom's, Kate Komarnicki Whitten!! Grab your souvenir shirt today!!!

Timeline photos

Homeschoolers and preschoolers! We are offering a 5 week session of ballet classes starting April 12! Click here to sign up: https://raballet.com/portal/registration-new-acad/

RAB is excited to announce its newest experience!!

MINDFUL MOVERS

Wednesdays 5:45-6:30pm

5 week session: April 12, April 19, April 26, May 2, May 9

Cost: $85

Age: 7-10

Email [email protected] to register.

Dress Requirements:

Recommended attire for girls: Close fitting top with leggings or dance pants.

Recommended attire for boys: Close fitting shirt with dance pants or athletic shorts

All hair should be pulled back and secure

Classes will be taken with bare feet

Class Description:

During this 5 week session, students will be immersed into the world of movement exploration, connection, and creative expression. Through our holistic approach to the art of movement, students will explore their inner and outer landscapes through mindfulness and somatic experiences.

Mindful Movers is a body positive space where we believe every body is a good body. We seek to engage the mind, body, and spirit of every child through meaningful opportunities within the creative process. Students will experience collaboration, improvisation tasks and prompts, engage in self-reflection, and creative problem solving. Additionally, students will explore their artistic voice and free their imagination through the art of dance, and the involvement of other art mediums.

Our 1st Adult Modern Workshop is doing so well we are going to go for another!!!!!!!

Sign up today!!! [email protected]

Richmond Academy of Ballet will present "Peter & the Wolf" and "Dragon Gate"

Friday, May 19th 7pm

Saturday, May 20th 1pm

Saturday, May 20th 5pm

Sunday, May 21st 2:30pm



Purchase Tickets at RABallet.com

Providence Middle School
900 Starlight Lane
Richmond Va 23235

"Peter and the Wolf"
Sergei Prokofiev wrote the story and composed the music for Peter and the Wolf in 1936. It was written in two weeks for a children's theatre in Moscow. He wrote the music as a child's introduction to the orchestra with each character being represented by an instrument or group of instruments. Peter and the Wolf was an immediate success and continues to be enjoyed today by children all over the world.


"Dragon Gate"

This ballet will be inspired by the Asian Mythological story of a koi fish who turns into a dragon. As a reward for its strength and determination, the gods turned the lone koi into a golden dragon. This legend is know as "The Dragon Gate", and best explains why koi have become symbolic of perserevance through adversity.

Ballet Arts Camp (6-9 years old) Mon-Fri 9:30-2:00

This camp is a great way for children to try a broad variety of classes. Students learn different ways to express themselves and about how movement can convey many different messages. This camp includes ballet, jazz, acting, dance related games, and arts & crafts.

There is a break for lunch, and the day finishes with rehearsal for a short performance for that will be held for all of the families at the end of the week at 2:00.

June 19-23/ July 10-14

$299 per week

Visit RABallet.com to register!!