Adelle is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned a degree in African American History, with a minor concentration in Dance and Choreography. While at VCU, Adelle was a team leader in Americorps, and took the Latino American dance studies classes with Latin Ballet founder, Ana Ines King, at VCU's Department of dance and Choreography. Shortly after graduating, she became a member of the Latin Ballet professional company.

 

Growing up in myriad of contrasting places including Idaho, Barbados and Williamsburg, VA, she developed an eclectic, and uniquely diverse perspective on life, and the correlation it shares with movement, music, and teaching/receiving all of our rich and beautifully different cultures, customs and shared joy.

 

She has been teaching dance throughout Williamsburg, Richmond and Chesterfield area for over 17 years. She also teaches at Mary Baldwin University, as well as, volunteers and substitute teaches in Chesterfield Public schools.

 

She has been a member of the professional company and a faculty member of the Latin Ballet’s outreach program since 2008. Her expertise in African American history, dance and choreography makes her our great choice for representing the Latin Ballet of Virginia and works as our Community Relations coordinator.

 

She believes that everyone has the ability to learn, and that we as teachers need to adapt to how our students learn, and adjust accordingly so that our students get the MOST out of what we have to give them.

Sara is originally from Virginia Beach, where she trained throughout her childhood at a local studio as well as at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk.

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She continued her education at the University of Virginia, earning a degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Dance, while performing and choreographing with the Virginia Dance Company. Through this experience, she deepened her foundation in ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz.

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After graduating, Sara began pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University. While in Richmond, she has performed as a guest artist with both Starr Foster Dance Company and Richmond Urban Dance.

Sara’s love of movement fuels her passion for supporting dancers through physical therapy and for exploring dance as a powerful tool for individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Jade Jackson began her dance training in Sydney, Australia at the age of two, developing a strong passion for ballet and contemporary dance. At 16, she moved to the United States to join the American Repertory Ballet’s Trainee Program. She has since graduated from ARB and will join Stavna Ballet as a company dancer for the ‘25–‘26 season. Jade was a valued and dedicated teacher at Princeton Ballet School, where she taught students in the pre-professional and academy divisions, as well as the adult program.

 

Jade primarily focuses on the Cuban methodology of ballet training, while also incorporating elements of the Royal Academy of Dance and Balanchine styles. Known for her nurturing approach, she emphasizes both technique and artistic growth. Trained to value safe dance practice, she brings a well-rounded, safety-conscious mindset to every class

Hadley Barrett is a recent graduate from East Carolina University, where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography alongside a BA in Psychology. Born in Richmond, Virginia, she started her dance journey at the age of seven and has never looked back. During her time at East Carolina, Hadley performed in a wide range of works and trained under esteemed professors, peers, and guest choreographers, gaining experience across multiple dance styles.

 

Currently, she continues her training while also instructing students of all ages, with a passion for fostering artistry, inclusivity, and confidence in young dancers. Most recently, Hadley accepted a position as a new company member with DogWood Dance Project, where she looks forward to furthering her artistic growth, collaborating with fellow artists, and contributing to the company’s creative vision.