I have been in the Richmond area for the last four years, and have been working hard to meet the dance community of VA. It has been a long and joyful journey to become a choreographer and professor. I now have the opportunity to spend time doing research on the topics that inspire me. More importantly, I am in a position to inspire and train young dancers and to be part of their own journeys.
Read MoreIn this very moment, I could not be more proud to be a part of the Richmond dance community. Our small city holds such great talent and although we are all so unique and talented in our own way; we equally share an amazing passion and love for the art of dance and the avenues in which we are all contributing to our dance community. Thank you, RVA Dance Awards for creating the perfect storm for dancers, studio owners, choreographers, directors, and educators to come together and celebrate one another. I am extremely honored and grateful for my nominations as Choreographer of the Year and Best Artistic Direction. Being able to create, explore, and grow with my dancers is one of the most fulfilling pieces of my life…I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Read More“ I began dancing in Los Angeles at the age of 10, later setting focus in ballet with opportunities to train in schools around the country including Pacific Northwest Ballet, LINES Contemporary Ballet, Ballet Chicago, North Carolina Dance Theatre, and the Richmond Ballet. I am ecstatic to have been nominated for the Dancer of the Year RVA Dance Award, and really owe this nomination to my many mentors and supporters, Shannon Hunter McConville, Nicole Mickey Shaver, Madison Ellis Ellington, Lisa Rumbauskas, and of course to my many beautiful and talented dance students at the West End Academy of Dance who I love so dearly. My fun fact is that my favorite activities outside of ballet are tap dancing, water aerobics, hanging out with Bretta (my cat) and crying over episodes of the Great British Baking Show.”
Read More“I’m honored to be nominated as Best Ballet Choreographer. My passion is telling the audience a story through innovative ballet. I’m humbled and amazed to be recognized in the RVA dance community, with such a talented group of artists. “
“After performing a ballet, you reappear on stage to the sound of applause. Your heart fills knowing that you have touched someone with your time on stage. As a teacher, we don't always receive that applause. This nomination feels like my "Bravo", my standing ovation. Class after class, I try to make a difference in a young dancer's life. But as all teachers know, it is sometimes hard to know if you are succeeding. To know that I was nominated for this award from students and parents means so much to me. I am very grateful.”
Read MoreI am from Colombia, South America. My grandmother was a poet, my mother a dancer and my father was a doctor who treated everyone regardless of their ability to pay. I LEARNED FROM THEM the importance of HELPING OTHERS while promoting ARTS AND CULTURE.
“When I came to Richmond 24 years ago to marry my husband, William King, I knew very little English but it was easy for me to adapt to a new culture. It was very hard for my daughter who was 12 years old. She was placed in an ESL class and was very unhappy until she was asked to write an essay about her culture. She made a video of herself dancing SALSA. With her presentation not only did her pride return, but her confidence, security and motivation – all major keys for a happy, successful life.”
Read MoreHello RVA! My name is Liv Klingler, I’m fifteen years old, and I love to dance! I began dancing at age three and haven't stopped since. I decided to commit more to dance at age seven by joining the J'adore Dance Project, which I am still part of. I spend multiple hours training at my home studio, J’adore Dance each night. I train in ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and tap. I also spend my time as an assistant instructor and teacher at J’adore.
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