Meet Rachel | Dancer of the Year Nominee

“ 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.”

Meet Nicole | Best Ballet Choreography Nominee

“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. “

Meet Eric

“When I started dancing my junior year of high school, I would’ve never thought I’d be where I am today.”

Ballet, Jazz, VCU, CarytownKatrina Taggart-HecksherMarch 24, 2019VCUStavna Ballet, Male DancerComment

Year One: Reflections

I don't know if I have ever shared with you how this project really began. I know I have always shared the story of doRVA's birth with all my dancers, but never with all of you. Well, if you don't mind sticking with me, I would like to share.

Katrina Taggart-HecksherSeptember 9, 2018Dogtown Dance TheatreStavna Ballet, Reflections

Special Winter Edition- Meet Snow White & Her Prince

When Shannon shared that STAVNA was going to perform Snow White this season, we immediately had a vision of a shoot in the snow! Thankfully mother nature liked this idea too and we were able to catch up with former doRVA Morgan and get to meet her prince Devin who will soon be featured on doRVA! So, for now, I'd love to share Meet Snow White & Her Prince who will be performing in STAVNA's Snow White.

BalletKatrina Taggart-HecksherJanuary 8, 2018modlin center Stavna BalletComment

Meet Noelani

I am currently in a place in my dance journey, where I have never been more in love with dance. Each week is full of learning, creating, and just completely going for it.

Meet Morgan

As I grew and matured, dance became so much more than that. It became a means for me to work through and process my emotions and gave me the opportunity to turn negative feelings into beautiful movement. Dance is my way of expressing emotions that I can’t put into words.

STAVNA, VCUKatrina Taggart-HecksherOctober 2, 2017VCUStavna Ballet, VCU, Ballet Photography Session

Meet Megan

I give gratitude to my past. Peace for my present. And confidence and courage for my future story.

Meet Megan. Be Inspired

Ballet, Creative Movement, Radar DanceKatrina Taggart-HecksherSeptember 10, 2017Canal Walk, Richmond VAStavna Ballet, RADAR DanceComment

Meet Daniella

"I dance because there is nothing more powerful than creating. Dance is an expression of art that allows anyone to feel all types of emotion through the movement of the body. It is so incredibly amazing to be able take a canvas of movement and create artistry. " Daniella of STAVNA Ballet

Meet Mattie

"However, what is meant to be will be and I was meant for dancing. "

Meet Heather

For me, this experience is where I've always wanted to be… To be a part of something bigger than myself. To contribute to this art - the amazing art of ballet - in a meaningful way. But... I wasn't sure it would ever be a possibility.

Meet Jen

"Dance has always been a constant in my life. It’s what I grew up doing and it’s what I have fallen in love with. I can’t imagine my past without it nor dream of a future that did not include it. Creating art and articulating movement is how I think."

Meet Rachel

"Dance is as much apart of me as the air that I breathe. I hope to step on stage until I’m gray and old, and that I continue to dazzle the audiences until the curtain closes."

Meet Mandy

"My schedule is always booked, my days are always full, and that’s how I thrive--most of the time. When I’ve overcommitted myself (again!), I walk in the studio and dance. I disconnect from my to-do list, focus on foot, arm, and head placement, and create art. I walk out better than I walked in. That’s what dance does for me; it makes me better."

Dancers of rva is a heart project that shares the passion and stories of dancers in the richmond, va area.

Be | Inspired

email: dancersofrva@gmail.com