Our Professional Company

The professional company was established in 2019 under the direction of Professional Company Artistic Director, Lydia Roberts Coco. The company offers a wide range of performances from classical favorites like “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty” to contemporary works by Roberts Coco, Dwight Rhoden, Jared Brunson and more. The company employs talented and diverse dancers from all over the country including Hampton Roads.

“It’s exciting to work with such an amazing group of diverse dancers from all over the country. The range these dancers have from their ballet to contemporary skills will bring so much artistry, passion and fire to the stage! Along with dynamic new works, I think Hampton Roads will be proud to call us their professional ballet company.” says Lydia Roberts Coco.

Our highest-achieving academy students are given opportunities to work with our professional dancers throughout the season. This keeps us true to our mission of nurturing and inspiring young dancers and supporting a thriving dance culture in the Hampton Roads area.

In addition to our full-time professional company, we have the following options to help create and guide the next generation of professional dancers in Hampton Roads.

Apprentice Program

Ballet Virginia’s Apprentice Program is designed to offer dancers ages 18+ the opportunity to experience life in a professional environment with our professional company. This scholarship program allows dancers exposure to the demanding rigor of a professional dance career.

Second Company (BVII) Trainee Program

Ballet Virginia’s Second Company, known as BVII, is a pre-professional training opportunity for dancers with the potential and desire to become professional dancers. Students invited to this division concentrate on honing their technique and developing artistry through intensive instruction. BVII students may be invited to Ballet Virginia Company class and rehearsals to understudy company member roles as a trainee.