Becoming a Richmond Ballet Company Member: Julie Smith

Julie Smith, Richmond Ballet 08-09, 09-10 & 10-11 Apprentice and new 11-12 Company Dancer, weighs in on her recent, exciting promotion:

When I first found out that I had been promoted from my role as an apprentice with the Richmond Ballet into the professional company, my reaction was surprisingly nonchalant. It reminded me of the time when my parents gave me a bike for my ninth birthday; I sat there just staring blankly at it as the girls at my birthday party eagerly crowded around to inspect and gab about my new set of wheels. But as the reality sank in that this shiny red bike actually belonged to me, my numb astonishment gradually grew to elation. In the same way, all the emotions that one might expect to see in one whose childhood dream has finally become a reality came streaming out as the words “professional ballet dancer” began to register in my mind.

My excitement for the coming season grew most as the dancers and staff at the Ballet heard the news and so kindly congratulated the three of us (Lauren Elizabeth, Ariel Rose, and me) on our promotion. To some, misery loves company, but I’ve found that high spirits spread like wildfire with this group! So many people from Richmond Ballet’s history have themselves made the step from an apprenticeship to the professional company; they all could identify with the feelings of freedom and empowerment that it produces.

Looking forward to my first season as a company member, I’m so thrilled about having the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the professional dancers whom I grew up idolizing. They deserve respect for the way they played their roles, not just as performers on stage, but in the way they worked as representatives of the Ballet. When I was training at Cincinnati Ballet, I remember watching the company perform and admiring the beautiful movement. I dreamt of some day learning to dance with the same flair and candor. As I grew older, I had the opportunity as a student to rub shoulders (or in this case, tutus) in corps de ballet rehearsals with many of the same dancers whom I had revered on stage. I then saw the other side of these leaders’ inspirational performance, as they set an example for the younger dancers through their conduct. These individuals demonstrated the true character of a professional dancer: one who is whole-heartedly dedicated to the art form itself, possesses the personal work ethic required to reach one’s full potential, and maintains solidarity with one’s fellow team members in producing the best possible performance, all for the sake of awakening and uplifting the audience. I can’t wait to finally enter the career for which so many people labor, long, and live to experience.

I’m grateful to be blessed with the joy of dance in my life, and hope to spread that same bliss to all who come across the Richmond Ballet!