Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
Strengthen the Spirit of Virginia
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:
The State Ballet of Virginia Day
WHEREAS, the art of ballet has long enriched Virginia’s cultural fabric, inspiring generations with its beauty, discipline, and artistic excellence; and
WHEREAS, for over four decades, Richmond Ballet has lifted the Commonwealth’s performing arts landscape, bringing the transformative power of dance to communities across Virginia and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Richmond Ballet, established as a vibrant civic company and later elevated to a nationally acclaimed professional company in 1984, embodies the highest standards of performance, education, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, since its official designation as The State Ballet of Virginia in 1990, this distinguished institution has upheld a legacy of artistic excellence, serving as a leader in the performing arts within the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world; and
WHEREAS, as Founding Artistic Director since 1980, Stoner Winslett’s visionary leadership and unwavering pursuit of excellence have elevated Richmond Ballet into the nationally celebrated State Ballet of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Stoner Winslett’s passion for nurturing future generations through landmark initiatives like the Minds In Motion program, which brings the joy of dance to elementary school students across Virginia, and her leadership in guiding Richmond Ballet onto international stages have cemented her legacy as one of Virginia’s most transformative arts pioneers; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia celebrates the enduring legacy of Richmond Ballet and recognizes Stoner Winslett’s profound influence on the arts, honoring her lasting contributions to ballet and cultural enrichment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 31, 2025, as THE STATE BALLET OF VIRGINIA DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Richmond Ballet and its Founding Artistic Director, Stoner Winslett.
