Jerri Kumery

Jerri Kumery began her studies at the age of 14, with Roman Jasinski and Moscelyn Larkin in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The following year, Violette Verdy brought her to the School of American Ballet.

Ms. Kumery danced with New York City Ballet 1977-1987, under the artistic direction of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins and Peter Martins.

Ms. Kumery began serving as a Repetiteur with The George Balanchine Trust in 1987, along with being a Ballet Master with Ballet Teatro Lirico Nacional in Madrid, Spain and Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, WA.

In 1990, she became the Associate Artistic Director with North Carolina Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of Salvatore Aiello. She became Acting Artistic Director for the 1995-1996 Season after Salvatore Aiello’s passing. In 1997, she became Co-Associate Artistic Director with Patricia McBride, under the artistic direction of Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux. Ms. Kumery continued her service to NCDT for 17 years, and was awarded an Arts & Science Council Fellowship for her meritorious contribution to the artistic community of Charlotte, North Carolina.

In 2007, she became an Artistic Associate, under the artistic direction of Stoner Winslett, serving Richmond Ballet for 17 years. On May 7, 2024, the Board of Trustees of Richmond Ballet recognized Jerri Kumery with a lifetime appointment of Artistic Associate Emerita.

Ms. Kumery has returned full-time as Repetiteur to The George Balanchine Trust, along with serving the Jerome Robbins Foundation and being the Curator and Repetiteur of The Salvatore Aiello Trust.