Boardman native takes over at BWR

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

After an extensive search, Ballet Western Reserve found a artistic director in its own backyard.

Virginia Hartman, a Boardman native and Girard resident, took over the position Aug. 1.

Hartman studied at BWR and went on to become a professional dancer with the Atlanta Ballet. She returned to BWR in 2007 as an instructor.

Applicants from throughout the United States and Great Britain were evaluated by a search committee, which included current and former BWR board members and Youngstown State University faculty members. Hartman was chosen based on her commitment to the school, as well as her enthusiastic vision for the company’s future, according to a statement from BWR.

After she completed training at Ballet Western Reserve, Hartman was accepted into the Richmond School of Ballet directly out of high school. She went on to perform with the Atlanta Ballet. After retiring from the stage, she began teaching ballet and pointe technique, leading to her position as children’s director and ballet mistress with Ballet Western Reserve. Hartman is in the teacher-certification program of American Ballet Theatre.

Hartman replaces interim artistic director Stas Kmiec, who held down the post after Richard Dickinson resigned in December.

For the 2011-12 school year, which marks a 50th anniversary for Ballet Western Reserve, the organization also has hired two new faculty members.

Tarra Joseph becomes the new children’s ballet coordinator, instructing students age 4-12. She is also administrative assistant, performing a multitude of office duties.

In addition, Jamie Erin Murphy has been hired as modern instructor.

Joseph, a Warren native who lives in Liberty, studied at The Warren Dance Center and with Ballet Theatre Ohio, Kent State University’s Arts Excel program, Great Lakes Festival Ballet and the Walnut Street Lodge. She also danced with the YSU Dance Ensemble.

Murphy, a Youngstown native who lives in Pittsburgh, trained locally with Linda Diamond, and later at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. She is the modern and jazz teacher at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and also teaches at Pittsburgh’s Dance Alloy and the Community College of Allegheny County.