Karla and Hans Petry are the new Executive Directors of the Fairfax Ballet.  They are a husband and wife team, who share a lifelong passion for the arts. They have both been involved in the arts since they were young. Their main focus has been in the classical music world playing both nationally and internationally.

Growing up Karla attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for many summers as a camper, international camper, and then going on to be a counselor and unit director. In addition she also worked in professional theater in Michigan and South Carolina. Karla worked as a Costumer in Hollywood and South Carolina as well as the various ballet companies in which her children have been involved. She has a working knowledge of lighting, backstage operations, stage crafts and business operations. Karla holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University for Recreation and Youth Leadership. She left her job as an Operations Manager at Best Buy to take over the Russell School of Ballet.

Hans retired in 2008 from the Air Force after serving 25 years, with an additional 4 years at the Air Force Academy where he was a member of the Cadet Drum and Bugle Corps. Hans also attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as a camper and international camper. Working in theater both on stage and off  throughout school was a passion for Hans. He holds an MBA from Boston University and a Masters in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

They have 3 children who have all grown up in music and dance as well. Their daughters, Emily and Gwendolyn, have just completed their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance degrees at The Florida State University, along with business certificates. They will be working at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp as Dance Assistants and Counselors this summer then moving to New York City to pursue their careers in Dance. Their son Matthew is currently attending Michigan State University where he is studying international relations and engineering.

The Petrys are very pleased to be returning to the Russell School of Ballet. They are excited to continue training the next generation of dancers through a nurturing and structured dance program.