Recently I asked my followers on Instagram if they would like to partake in a Q&A, Rory Kathryn Myers responded with excitement and I happily asked her questions about her journey in ballet. Rory is a phenomenal dancer with such dedication to ballet and incredible poise and confidence. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

So long ago I can’t remember…. Though I didn’t start dancing seriously until I was 8 or 9ish.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

International Ballet Theater Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Seven years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Gaynor Mindens!!!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Mommor (my grandma) took me and a friend of mine to a mommy and me ballet class

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There’s so many, and it changes depending on my mood. I love watching rare variations. My current favorite is Nikia’s death scene. It’s so beautiful and tragic, as well as tecnically challenging, and this makes it such a difficult role.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any ballet company! I especially like Boston Ballet. Misa Kuranaga and Larrisa Ponomarenko are my role models.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favourite ballet memory would have to be my debut as Sugar Plum Fairy last Nutcracker. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to partner with a principal dancer from the Armenian National Ballet. My mom and I also redecorated her old tutu for me to wear. It was definitely something I will never forget.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Larissa Ponomarenko, Misa Kuranaga, Nina Ananashvilli, Ekaterina Kondaurova, Viktoria Tereshkina, Olesya Novikova, Natalia Osipova, Anna Nikulina, Evgenia Obraztsova, Ekaterina Krysanova, Ekaterina Shipulina, Michaela DePrince, Evelina Godunova, and many more

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

Feel confident and embody your role, then nobody will notice if you mess up a little or don’t have perfect technique

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Pancake/Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I’m not dancing, you will always find me either reading or horseback riding and occasionally babysitting