Biography

Originally from Sacramento, California, Jenni Richards grew up studying dance at The Conservatory of Dance & Performing Arts while also performing with pre-professional companies Ballet Rejoice and Placer Theatre Ballet for several years. In 2016, she began training and performing with the Sacramento Ballet Youth Ensemble under Melanie Haller, Carrine Binda, and Maia Wilkins. Throughout high school, she received additional professional training at summer intensives with Long Beach Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet, Ballet Austin, Nashville Ballet, and Milwaukee Ballet. After graduating high school, she received a scholarship to Nashville Ballet’s Trainee program and went on to dance with Milwaukee Ballet II the following season. In 2020, Jenni joined Roanoke Ballet Theatre in Virginia where she danced 3 seasons in the company. During her time there Jenni had the pleasure of teaching for the school as well as creating original contemporary and neoclassical works for the company. Jenni recently joined Ballet 5:8 as a Company Apprentice for the 23/24 season.