Starrene Foster
Dance Educator And Choreographer
Richmond,VA
Summary
A Richmond native, Starrene Foster, is a choreographer, dance educator, and the Artistic Director of Starr Foster Dance. Over the last 25 years, her choreography has been presented nationally for universities, professional dance companies, independent artists, and for the screen. Starrene is a seasoned dance choreographer with exceptional teaching ability and patience working with dancers of diverse ages and abilities. She has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of young dancers through movement; building their passion and technical growth. In her creative work, Starrene is dedicated to fostering the idea of merging interdisciplinary practices and providing opportunities to other artists to enrich the cultural landscape in her community and communities nationwide.
Professional dance artist with proven track record of crafting memorable and impactful performances. Skilled in developing choreography that aligns with artistic vision and enhances storytelling. Reliable team player who adapts to changing rehearsal needs and consistently strives for excellence in every performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University
8 1999 - Current
Teaching a variety of dance courses in the Department of Dance and Choreography including: Repertory, all levels of Modern Dance Technique, Dance Composition, Improvisation. Choreographer for May and Fall commencements (2014 to present) and choreographer for the musical Hair under the direction of Barry Bell.
- Displayed professional demeanor and served as role model for students.
- Applied multitude of valid methods to employ and assess students' understanding of content.
- Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
- Worked cooperatively with other members of faculty and staff to contribute to overall institutional effectiveness.
- Developed and kindled professional relationships with students to better communicate and enhance instruction.
- Designed and delivered class instruction to meet course competencies.
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
Artistic Director
Starr Foster Dance
01.2001 - Current
Artistic Director overseeing company dancers and all activities for outreach, performing, touring, lecture demonstrations, events and teaching. Season includes approximately 15 annual performance runs. Currently resident company at The Firehouse Theatre.
- Starr Foster Dance produces the renowned Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase, which has provided more than 250 emerging and established dance artists and opportunity to produce new work.
- In 2010, Starr Foster Dance established the SFD Mentorship Program that provides a space where young dancers can immerse themselves in a professional and safe experience.
- Starr Foster Dance is dedicated to collaborating with artists, of all genres, in every project
Choreographer
Richmond Shakespeare
04.2023 - Current
- Created comprehensive choreography for actors specific to their roles within a musical/play
- Evaluated dancer auditions, selecting individuals for specific roles in productions.
- Expanded the company's repertoire by researching new styles, and techniques
- Choreography credits include: School for Lies (2023), Dr. Faustus (2024), Midsummer Nights Dream (2025) Witch (2025), MACBETH (2026)
Choreographer and Instructor
Central Virginia Dance Academy
07.2024 - Current
- Teaching Levels 4 to Pre-Professional in Modern, Contemporary, Ballet, Pointe and Musical Theatre during school session with Improvisation, Partnering, and Choreography during summer sessions
- Implement injury prevention strategies during class, ensuring safe environment for all dancers and fostered a supportive learning environment
- Offering one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
- Choreography for performances.
- Working in a team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to families.
Choreographer and Instructor
The School Of Richmond Ballet
8 2005 - 07.2024
Teaching Modern dance technique to Trainee, Upper and Middle Divisions with annual choreographic works for the workshop performances. Has served as choreographer for the professional company (Richmond Ballet; State Ballet of Virginia)
Adjunct Faculty
University Of Richmond
08.2014 - 03.2022
Creates annual choreographic works with the University Dancers. Courses taught in the Department of Theatre & Dance include: Modern Dance Technique, Improvisation, and Choreography. Adjunct appointments also include the years 2005 and 2012
- Advised students in academic matters to improve successful course completion.
- Displayed professional demeanor and served as role model for students.
- Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
- Organized time, space and resources to balance advanced instruction, challenging workloads and stringent deadlines.
- Developed and kindled professional relationships with students to better communicate and enhance instruction.
Dance Choreographer and Instructor
St. Christopher's School
09.1999 - 06.2013
Developed the movement curriculum and program for 4th and 5th grade boys. Also provided choreography in the annual musicals.
Choreographer and Instructor
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
09.2012 - 06.2015
Taught Ballet and Modern Dance Technique, Dance History, and Improvisation grades 9-12. Responsible for choreographing for the bi-annual performances,
Education
Department of Dance And Choreography BFA
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA 08.1990 - 05.1996
Skills
Online Instruction
Individualized student assistance
Mentoring in Choreography
Lesson and Curriculum Planning
Technology integration
Lecturing
Grant writing
Costume Construction
Audition Preparation
Proficient in Word, Photoshop Power Director, Excel
Contemporary Partnering
Instructor for Beginning to Advanced Technique in modern, contemporary, and ballet
Choreographic Commissions and Guest Residencies (selected)
The list below only highlights selected activities. A full list is available upon request.
2025
- Women's Art Exchange (Invitational, April 2025), Jacksonville, Florida
- Fuse Ensemble (September 2025) Commission, Gallery5 Arts Richmond, Virginia
- Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts (September 2025) Commission, Richmond, Virginia
- Fuse Ensemble (November 2025) Commission, Artspace Gallery Richmond, Virginia
- SFD Season Preview Performance (October 2025) Richmond Movement Center
- SPITTING IMAGE III (April 2025), A cross disciplined project with 7 Richmond based photographers
- A MidSummer Night's Dream choreography (July 2025) Richmond Shakespeare, Director James Ricks
- Witch choreography (October 2025) Richmond Shakespeare, Director Andrew Gall
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May)
- [YOUR NAME HERE] (December 2025) An evening of three works including two premieres
- Urinetown choreography, University of Richmond, Director Dorothy Holland
2024
- PAGE TO STAGE III, A cross disciplined project with writers and dance, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond, Virginia (December 2024)
- SFD Season Preview Performance (October 2024) Roslyn Retreat Center
- Dr Faustus choreography (July 2024) Richmond Shakespeare
- Curious Intentions SFD Company Performance (April 2024) An evening of four works including three premieres
- CELEBRATING PRIDE, 20th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase (celebrating LGBTQ+ Artists), Firehouse Theatre, Richmond, Virginia (June 2024)
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May 2024 and December 2024)
2023
- In Rest and Sleep (November/December 2023) An evening length work, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond, Virginia
- Byrd Park Pump House SFD Season Preview Performance (October 2023)
- SPITTING IMAGE II (April 2023), A cross disciplined project with 7 Richmond based photographers
- Commission for new work, Stavna Ballet, Richmond, Virginia
- Commission for new work, Central Virginia Dance Academy
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
- 20th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase (celebrating Richmond Artists), Grace Street Theatre Richmond, Virginia (June 2023)
- School for Lies choreography, Richmond Shakespeare, Director James Ricks
2022
- Commission for New Work and Residency, Governors School for the Arts, Norfolk, Virginia
- New Albany Dance Festival, New Albany, Ohio (Invitational)
- Commission for New Work for Richmond Symphony/POPS: LET IT SNOW!
- PAGE TO STAGE II, A cross disciplined project with writers and dance, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond, Virginia
- CELEBRATING PRIDE, 18th Annual Mid-Atlantic Choreographers Showcase (celebrating LGBTQ+ Artists), The Basement, Richmond, Virginia
- Commission for New Work The Apology The Basement Richmond, Virginia (April 2022)
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
2021
- Byrd Pumphouse, Richmond, Virginia (Choreographic Commission/Outreach)
- {Your Name Here}, Commission for new work, Premiere November 2021 The Basement Richmond, Virginia
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (December)
2020
- The Richmond Ballet, Commission for new work Always a Way
- In Rest and Sleep, Commission for new work, The Basement Richmond, Virginia
- Short North Stage, Columbus Ohio (Invitational)
2019
- Scranton Fringe Festival, Scranton, Pennsylvania (Invitational)
- Crave, Commission for new work, The Basement, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
2018
- Stockton University, Galloway New Jersey (3 week Residency in the Genocide and Holocaust Department and Dance Department. Commission for new work and guest lecturer)
- Baggage, Commission for new work, The Basement, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
2017
- Dalis Black Box Theater, Norfolk, Virginia (Invitational)
- LEVITATE, Commission for new work, The Basement, Richmond, Virginia
- Annex Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland (Invitational)
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
2016
- Big River Dance Festival, Huntington, West Virginia (Invitational)
- International Festival of Music, Staunton, Virginia (Commission)
- Baggage, The Basement, Richmond, Virginia
- Norfolk Governors School for the Arts, Norfolk, Virginia (Guest Residency)
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
2015
- Advante Advertising, Henrico, Virginia (Invitational/Commission/Private Performance)
- Roper Center for the Performing Arts Norfolk, Virginia (Invitational)
- James L Ruffa Performing Arts Center 512 West Washington Street, Petersburg, Virginia (Invitational)
- James River Ringers; Richmond, Virginia (Commission for new works)
- Cover to Cover Presents: FLOOD at Hardywood; Richmond, Virginia (Commission)
- VCU School for the Arts, Commencement Choreographer (May and December)
- Hair choreography, Firehouse Theatre, Director Jase Sullivan
- Wild Party choreography, Firehouse Theatre, Director Jase Sullivan
2013
- University of Washington, Seattle Washington (Guest Teaching)
- Cornish University/Cornish Preparatory, Seattle Washington (Guest Teaching)
- Richmond Ballet, New Works Festival; Richmond, Virginia (Commission)
- Baltimore Theatre Project; Baltimore, Maryland (Invitational)
- Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, Fairfax, Virginia (Invitational)
- Advante Advertising; Richmond, Virginia (Invitational/Commission for new work, private function)
- National High School Dance Festival; Norfolk, Virginia (Guest Performer and Teacher)
- POP! choreography, Firehouse Theatre, Director Jase Sullivan
2012
- Wake up with the Arts Breakfast; Scranton, PA (“Building Community Partnerships”, Guest Speaker and performance. Invitational)
- SUNY Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo; Buffalo, NY (Invitational)
- Tango Cafe; Rochester, New York (Invitational)
- Woodbridge Center for the Fine and Performing Arts; Woodbridge, Virginia (Invitational)
- McGuffey Art Center; Charlottesville, Virginia (Invitational)
- Dance Charlotte!; Charlotte, North Carolina (Invitational)
- Todd Rosenlieb Dance, Norfolk, Virginia (Commission)
- Spring Awakening choreography, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Director Chase Kniffen
2011
- National High School Dance Festival; Miami, Florida (Guest Teacher)
- Todd Rosenlieb Dance, Norfolk, Virginia ( Residency)
- Old Dominion University; Norfolk, Virginia (Guest Residency)
- Regional High School Dance Festival; Norfolk, Virginia (Guest Teacher)
Complete list available upon request
Awards and Special Recognitions
2024
Voted Best Dance Company of the Year by Virginia Dance Awards
CultureWorks Building Capabilities Grant
2023
- Space Grant VCU Dance + Choreography
2022
- WANDER, created by Starrene Foster, accepted into Inspired Dance Festival (Australia)
2019
- Choreographer of the Year, awarded by RVA Dance Awards
2017
- Starr Foster Dance recognized as Richmond's Best Dance Company/Style Weekly
2016
- Starr Foster Dance recognized as Richmond's Best Dance Company/Style Weekly
2015
- HatchFund Grant for “Page to Stage Dance Series”
2013
- ARTSIE Nomination from the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle (For choreography for the musical POP!)
2012
- ARTSIE Nomination from the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle (For choreography for the musical Spring Awakening)
2010
- Best in Show for InLight Richmond, (In collaboration with YES YES Collective)
- Partners in the Arts/Virginia Arts Council Teacher incentive grant for The Heroes Project (to work with middle school special education students in Dinwiddie, Hopewell and Petersburg counties).
2009
- Starr Foster Dance selected for PBS Special Virginia Currents
2007
- Received The Top 25 Arts Innovators Recognition (Style Weekly)
- Received The Top 40 under 40 Recognition (Style Weekly)
2006
- Theresa Pollack Award for Artistic Excellence Richmond, Virginia
- Teachers Incentive Grant (for new work commission at Appomattox Regional Governors School)
2005
- Virginia Teachers Incentive Grant (for new work commission at Appomattox Regional Governors School)
2003
- VCU Star Alumni Award for Professional Excellence
- Partner’s in the Arts Grant with Matoaca School System, Chesterfield, Virginia
Additional Training
As a dancer, Starrene has trained under many dance greats including Betty Jones, Jeff Slayton, Gerri Houlihan, Tatiana Akinfieva, Ronald K. Brown, Mark Dendy, Mark Taylor and at the Neubert Ballet Institute. She received three full scholarships from the American Dance Festival and has had the pleasure of performing works by Mark Taylor, Doug Varone, Sharon Kinney, Ronald K. Brown, Mark Dendy, Pewan Chow (Hong Kong), Raul Parro (Mexico) and many others.
Timeline
Choreographer and Instructor
Central Virginia Dance Academy
07.2024 - Current
Choreographer
Richmond Shakespeare
04.2023 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
University Of Richmond
08.2014 - 03.2022
Choreographer and Instructor
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
09.2012 - 06.2015
Artistic Director
Starr Foster Dance
01.2001 - Current
Dance Choreographer and Instructor
St. Christopher's School
09.1999 - 06.2013
Department of Dance And Choreography BFA
Virginia Commonwealth University
08.1990 - 05.1996
Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University
8 1999 - Current
Choreographer and Instructor
The School Of Richmond Ballet
8 2005 - 07.2024