RICHARD SMITH

Member of CDP since 2015 (founding member)

​Richard began studying in a wide variety of different dance styles before starting his serious ballet training at La Vive Classique Academy of Dance in his native Australia. Later he was accepted into the prestigious Australian Ballet School, where in his final year he had the opportunity to perform with the Australian Ballet Company.

Upon moving to the United States, he performed with Urban Ballet Theatre in New York City & then travelled to California where he began his residency with the Sacramento Ballet in 2008. Mr. Smith has been featured in an array of soloist and principal roles in ballets by noted choreographers: Martha Graham, George Balanchine, Ashley Walton, Septime Weber, Trey McIntyre, Ron Cunningham & Twyla Tharp. Most notably Richard was featured as Laertes in Stephen Mill’s Hamlet & as Prince Albrecht in the Sacramento Ballet’s 2018 production of Giselle.

​A founding member of Capital Dance Project, last season Mr. Smith made his premiere as a choreographer. Richard likes to spend his time outside the studio on the beach or by the pool & when possible, visiting his family back home in Australia.