I had the opportunity to ask the incredible Katy Schwarzweller some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. She is a phenomenal dancer, graces the stage with poise and elegance. Katy currently dances with Ballet West. Her technique is outstanding and her love of ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Instagram: ks_ballerina

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was two years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Ballet West Professional Training Division

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started when I was 8, so 10 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed of London pointe shoes in Classic Pro.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom and dad had me start at our local gym so that I could do something while they were working out. After that I saw the nutcracker live for the first time and decided that I wanted to be a dancer, so my mom enrolled me at a more serious studio.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Either Walpurgisnacht, or Balanchine’s Divert No. 15…turning girl, or Emeralds from Balanchine’s Jewels

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Pacific Northwest Ballet or Ballet West

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

My favourite memory in ballet is when I performed the Solar and Nikiya pas de Deux from La Bayadere this past winter. It was my first pas de deux performed onstage and felt amazing about my dancing.

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

Tiler Peck, Christiana Bennette, and Alina Cojucaru are some of my all-time favorite dancers. Tiler Peck in particular because of the ease in her moment makes ballet look effortless.

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

The best advice that I have received from a teacher is to stay true to my dancing and be confident in what I do, because it makes your dancing look so much more mature and professional.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic!

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

I love going on hikes and being in nature, baking and cooking (my dad’s a chef so I take from him), and hanging out with my friends. We don’t have much free time at all so I’m fairly busy!