First Steps
Ages 3-6 y.o.
A fun and exciting introduction into the world of dance. Through gentle exercises and imaginative movement, students are taught spatial awareness, rhythm, balance, and coordination. The beginnings of ballet terminology are taught, and the great ballets are introduced to children as they dance their way into the stories. Along with class skills, it is important, even at this early stage, to instill the value of kindness and working with one another - planting seeds of camaraderie instead of exclusivity.
Beginning Ballet
Ages 7-12 y.o.
Classes become more challenging and focused. Games and play are still used as needed to preserve the joy of learning. Students work on shaping their bodies, gaining strength, flexibility, and also musicality.
Contemporary Dance is introduced.
Upper Levels/ Conservatory
Ages 10 and up
For dancers who seek a high level of dance education and a pre-professional curriculum.
Pointe work is introduced gradually, and movements gain amplitude and speed. Students blend artistry with athleticism and deepen their understanding of the art of both Classical and Contemporary Dance.
While continuing their own education at the Paris Opera this past summer, the directors of RAB made many new friends and connections amongst their classmates there. Michelle and Jack have begun planning to bring RAB to Paris in 2026. RAB's students will study with Parisian ballet masters, learn new choreography and finish their trip with a performance in "The City of Light."
Richmond Academy of Ballet (RAB) is delighted to welcome Sona Kharatian to our team. We eagerly anticipate the valuable insights and ideas she will bring to our students and look forward to collaborating with her to positively influence the Richmond dance community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sona Kharatian.
Richmond Academy of Ballet is our Magnum Opus. We are a married couple who have devoted our lives to the art of classical ballet. We've grown up with it, and it has provided us with a living as performers and teachers.
Our mission is simple - to inspire generation after generation to see more beauty in the world and then to find their own contribution to it.
Learn more about us and our amazing faculty...
