Ballet Virginia is a 501 (c) (3) organization founded in April of 2008 and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia effective May 7, 2008. The Ballet Virginia Board of Directors’ primary goal is to look after the organization’s general well-being and ensure its financial viability.
The 2026-2027 Ballet Virginia Board of Directors:
Jane Bray – Board Co-Chair, former Dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
Sophia Perrotti – Board Co-Chair, Assistant Director of Advancement for the Arts, Christopher Newport University
April Woodard – Emmy Nominated TV Host, WTKR “Coast Live“ Host and NSU professor
Ashton Sniderman – Board Secretary, Live Nation Staffing Director
Janina Michalski – Ballet Virginia Co-Artistic Director and President
Mechelle Smith – Founders Inn and Spa
Michael Levy – Sykes, Bourdon, Ahern & Levy, Virginia Beach
Nancy Minguez – Community-at-Large
Patrick Francis – NATO
Paul McGovern – Managing Partner, Praxis Compliance
Suzanne Lownsbury – Ballet Virginia Co-Artistic Director and Treasurer
Ex Officio
Hope Paryzek – Founder, Board President Emeritus
Board Advisors
Gene Hansen and Elbert Watson
Full-time Staff/Faculty
Suzanne Lownsbury, Lisa McCarty, Kaity McMillion, Janina Michalski, Jennie Teller
Click here for more information on donating or supporting Ballet Virginia
If you are interested in becoming a board member please contact us at information@balletvirginia.org