Norvell Robinson, Jr.
President: Norvell, a native Richmonder, began his dance career after training in the School of the Richmond Ballet and North Carolina School of the Arts. He has toured internationally with an Italian touring company as “Richie” in A Chorus Line. For 16 years, he appeared as a soloist and principle dancer in the Richmond Ballet Company. Norvell’s other local appearances include commercials, as well as VCU Dance Department, Theatre IV, Barksdale Theatre, SPARC, and Encore. Norvell has taught dance and choreographed for several local, state and national schools -preschools through high schools levels, as well as for dance schools and other community organizations, such as Girl Scouts. At Lakeside Presbyterian Church Weekday Preschool, Norvell is an Elder and the movement and dance teacher. He is co-owner and manager of Pilates, Dance and More…The Art of Fitness. He is married to Tristi McMaster Robinson. They have three beautiful children who are constant reminders of love, joy, sacrifice, forgiveness, and a reason to do, and to be…
Tristi McMaster Robinson
Artistic Director: She is a native of Carson City, NV., where she began her early training at Pinkerton Dance Academy under the direction of Fern Pinkerton. She also went on to train with Barbra Monibi Land, and Charlotte Soukup in Reno Nevada. At the young age of 14 she moved on to train at the Marin Ballet School and Company, in California, with Maria Vegh, Ruth Petrinovic, Jocelyn Vollmar, Margaret Swarthout, Melinda Bach, and others. She has trained in many styles of dance and gymnastics. Her career as a professional dancer and teacher has spanned over 30 yrs. She has been a Principal dancer with the Washington Ballet and Richmond Ballet companies, a soloist with the Atlanta Ballet, and a Corp de ballet member with Milwaukee Ballet. She has had the privilege of working with such choreographers as Kirk Peterson, Choo San Goh, Suzanne Farrell, Baayork Lee, Dennis Nahot, Christian Holder, and William Soleau to name a few. She has been a national acclaimed guest artist for schools and professional companies. In 1997, she was awarded the OYA (Outstanding Young Women of America) Award. As a master teacher, she has taught students, ages three to adult, across the nation in many dance styles. Tristi also coaches gymnastics on the recreational and team levels. She is a seamstress and designer of costumes. Tristi is married to Norvell Robinson, Jr. They have three beautiful children who are constant reminders of humility, love, joy, and happiness.
Amy Page Wilhelm
Director/ Technical Director: She holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts. Company memberships have included Nancy Meehan Dance Company, Thodos Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, and Starr Foster Dance Project. In Richmond, she has freelanced with Amy Kaeberle at VCU and Pam England of Ground Zero Dance Company. She has created costumes for Hubbard Street 2, Thodos Dance Chicago, and Amy Kaeberle. Her choreography was commissioned and acquired by Z Mullins Dance Company, Riverside/Brookfield High School, Thodos Dance Chicago. She has also presented her own work at the Dance Chicago Festival, Jennifer Muller/The Work’s Hatch Program (N.Y.) and Shuffles Performing Arts Center. Along with being on the faculty of The College of William and Mary, she teaches locally for many area dance schools and at St. Christopher’s School (ages 3-adult). She has been a guest artist, choreographer, and teacher. Amy is an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 5 of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
Valerie Lancaster
Treasurer: She was born in Richmond, Virginia. She presently resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and is sister to the director, Norvell Robinson. She attended Richmond Public Schools and attended Hampton University in Hampton Virginia obtaining a degree in Finance. After working for many years in the Health Insurance industry, she obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Strayer University. After leaving the insurance industry, she pursued her life long dream of teaching mathematics. For the past 10 years, she has been teaching middle school mathematics to a diverse population of students from many countries around the world.
She is married to James. They have five adult children working in their respected fields and five grandchildren. She is a member of a progressive church and has been a long-standing member of the United Voices choir. Being a teacher and grandmother is a constant reminder of the influence we have in shaping the future of all children.
Fay Peery
Director: She was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Chinese immigrants. While in middle school, her family moved to Richmond. She attended the University of Richmond for two years prior to transferring to the Medical College of Virginia. A few years later, she graduated from the School of Pharmacy.
She is married to Bryan, who she met in high school. They have two fantastic kids, one in college and one in elementary school. Since retiring from the pharmacy world, she spends her time volunteering. Over the years, she has had the privilege to work with amazing people in preschools, elementary, middle and high schools, PTAs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League and dance schools. While she has mounted artwork, spread mulch, written newsletters, served as room/team mom, her most rewarding “gig” has been tutoring as a “Book Buddy” in a local elementary school. Working with and for young people has given her countless cherished experiences.