Congratulations, Marisol!
Following her vision of enriching and connecting the Richmond area communities through weaving the spirit and joy of Latinx/Hispanic dance and culture into the fabric of the Commonwealth, Ana Ines King founded the Latin Ballet of Virginia (LBV). From the beginning in 1997, Ana's "doors wide open" policy both ensured and provided broad access to dance performances and educational programs. Her commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) has created pathways in dance for many students of all ages and backgrounds. As a native of Colombia, Ana understood that Latin culture has been dispersed and then rooted throughout many continents all over the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In 25 years, Ana's impact on the city, surrounding counties, the state, and over the world is unprecedented, and her legacy will continue for generations with the same vision and mission that has been shaped through her love and dedication for dance and culture.
We are so proud to announce that Marisol Cristina Betancourt Sotolongo been appointed the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s new Artistic Director. Marisol is a shining example of Ana’s vision of a company and school where students could aspire to become Company dancers, and Company dancers would teach and mentor students to join their professional ranks. For Marisol, dancing is as natural as breathing. Her mother, Brigitte volunteered as the School of the Latin Ballet of Virginia’s registrar, and she brought all four of her children to the school. While she worked, her children took after-school dance classes on full scholarship. While talent is significant in dancing, Ana also saw that support, nurturing, and inclusion were even more important. Marisol began her dance training at age three with her teacher and mentor, Ms. Ana. At age six, Marisol was invited to the Junior Company by William Sterling Walker III, who was the Junior Company Director at the time. That same year, Marisol danced the lead role of Little Maria in the “Legend of the Poinsettia.” At the age of 11, Marisol became the teaching assistant to many of Ms. Ana's classes, and she embraced the opportunity to learn about dance education, while also refining her technique and performance. At the age of 16, she was chosen to dance as a soloist for the international production of El Pintor and started dancing as member of the professional company. At the age of 21, she became the Junior Company Director. In August 2022, Marisol will assume her new role as Artistic Director.
“The adage that the “student has become the teacher” or “light blue has now become royal blue” is accurate for Marisol. Her student years and now her professional years form a bridge between past, present, and future, while also giving a deep sense of generational belonging and continuity.”
Our amazing Founder, Artistic Director, Educator, Cultural Ambassador, and, most of all, Friend, Ana Ines King will always be with the Latin Ballet of Virginia as Director Emerita and will serve LBV as a consultant. Always nurturing her vision and cultivating talent, Ana has assembled a new team of leaders. She is trusting them to tend to the LBV torch and continue building LBV over the next 25 years and beyond. Following Ana's exquisite example of playing an important role in the lives of children, families, and communities and neighborhoods, the new leadership team will continue educating, promoting, and endorsing the importance of Hispanic/Latinx culture in the city and surrounding areas, the state, particularly rural areas, as well as nationally and internationally.
In addition to the announcement of our new Artistic Director Marisol Cristina Betancourt Sotolongo and Ana Ines King’s new role as Director Emerita and Consultant, LBV is pleased to announce the following members of the LBV leadership team.
Zaira Pulido
Development Coordinator
Zaira brings a unique combination of business skills and professional dance experience, making her well qualified to oversee the company's growth and tell its story.
Jo Ann Breaux
Director of Marketing
Jo Ann has been LBV’s web and marketing specialist bringing us her technological and creative skills for 10 years.
Assistants, dancers and faculty members, DeShon Rollins and Melissa Martinez, who have been with the Latin Ballet for many years dancing, performing and educating.
DeShon Rollins,
Artist / Faculty
Melissa Martinez,
Artist / Faculty
Adelle Broom
Community Relations Manager
Adelle has been with LBV since 2006 and brings a wide range of experience and talent.
