Team Members

Michelle Bettin is a classically trained dancer, XII International Ballet Competition semi-finalist, and Cum Laude Towson graduate who directed Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and taught at several regional schools after advanced pedagogy studies including the Paris Opera Ballet.

Amelia Virtue, a VCU BFA dancer with intensive training and performances with Cincinnati and Nashville trainee programs, has taught (Kansas City Ballet), conducts human-robot dance research at VCU, co-founded Conflux Dance Theater, and joins Richmond Academy of Ballet.

Monica Norwood, longtime Richmond resident, spent 22 years as a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled her four children for 18 years while maintaining 12 years of continuous involvement in dance. She enjoys hosting, cooking, and recently opened a pottery studio to pursue her creativity.

Jack Bettin trained with top masters, performed with companies including Sacramento Ballet and Manassas Ballet Theatre, led Falls Church School of Ballet, and is a NASM-certified trainer, Gravity Yoga teacher, and Certified Sommelier.

Kimberly Swartz is a former competitive gymnast turned dancer with a BA (Penn State) and an MFA in Dance (George Mason), 35+ years of performance experience and 25+ years teaching. She earned a Master's in Elementary Education in 2021 and currently teaches in Chesterfield County Schools.

Sona Kharatian: 20+ years as a dancer, instructor, and rehearsal director (most recently Rehearsal Director/Ballet Master at The Washington Ballet), trained at the Choreographic Institute, Kirov Academy, and Washington School of Ballet, performed principal roles across major repertoire, is multilingual, and a two-time Maryland State Arts Council awardee.

Allison trained in Cecchetti/RAD, holds a BA and MA in Education, taught 14 years (VCU adjunct), earned Teacher of the Year, and teaches arts-integrated classes at Richmond Academy of Ballet.

Nadyne Bispo trained in Vaganova from age 3, represented Brazil internationally, and danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet. She transitioned to teaching at Atlanta Ballet School and other studios and now joins Richmond Academy of Ballet to inspire and develop dancers.