Academics

The Arts

The Creative Arts at Saint GertrudeCreate, Perform and Shine

Rooted in our Catholic identity and our commitment to educating the whole person, our visual and performing arts programs help students discover their God-given talents and grow in creativity, confidence and joyful expression. Through theater, music, dance and visual arts, they learn to see beauty in the world and in one another.

Dance and Movement


The Saint Gertrude Dance Program provides a supportive space for young women to grow in confidence, technique and joy as they pursue
via pulchritudinis—the way of beauty. 

Our new 1,200-square-foot state-of-the-art studio is in the visual and performing arts wing on the third floor of the Saint Gertrude building. Overlooking the James River, students feel the warmth of God's sunlight, which soaks the space.

Our holistic approach emphasizes sharing the joy and beauty of dance with all our students, with particular focus on technique, dance history, and music theory. The program is designed for both novice students eager to explore a new discipline and experienced dancers looking to deepen their skills and participate in performance opportunities.

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  • Valerie Tellmann-Henning '00

    Dance is a form of prayer, requiring focus and intentional effort. Like our relationship with the Lord, it is something that does not just happen, it must be cultivated.
Mrs. Henning '00 serves as Director of the Dance and Movement program. She brings over two decades of professional experience as a principal dancer with Richmond Ballet and soloist with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet.

Performing Arts

At Saint Gertrude, the performing arts are a dynamic part of student life, offering young women opportunities to grow in creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Our theater troupe, the Stuart Avenue Players, stages full productions each year and welcomes students of all experience levels to explore acting and stagecraft.

In music, students can participate in Chorus or audition for our advanced Honors Ensemble, where they refine vocal technique, learn performance skills, and contribute to school-wide events and liturgies.

The performing arts are deeply woven into the Saint Gertrude experience—not only through formal classes and productions, but also in the cherished tradition of Song Contest, a celebration of community and creative expression through music.

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  • Reeve Fenick ’24

    From the moment I went to the first theater interest meeting as a freshman, I felt immediately accepted, loved, and part of the community. From singing the national anthem at football games, to performing virtual and live productions, Saint Gertrude provides so many unique and fun opportunities.

Visual Arts

At Saint Gertrude, the visual arts program encourages students to explore their creativity, build technical skill and express their unique perspectives through a variety of media. With nine diverse courses available—from drawing and painting to photography and AP-level offerings—students at all skill levels can discover and grow their artistic voice.

Housed in the brand-new Margaret Carreras Visual and Performing Arts Center on the third floor, the program provides an inspiring space for creation and reflection. The work of students, alumnae and regional artists is regularly showcased on campus, including through our monthly Gator Gallery, a celebration of talent and imagination at the heart of our school.

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  • Barbara Tait '10, Visual and Performing Arts Department Chair

    At Saint Gertrude, art isn't just about technique, it's about passion. The art room is a safe place for students to take artistic risks, explore new ideas, and discover their own creative voice. In our incredible new Arts Center and gallery, they develop the confidence to share that artistic identity with the world. Watching them grow as artists and individuals is the best part of my job!
12829 River Road
Richmond, VA 23238
BCP Phone: (804) 708-9500
SGHS Phone: (804) 358-9114
Fax: (804) 784-5410
TAX ID: 27-0339456
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