I had the opportunity to ask Robbie Downey some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina, the grace and poise she has on the stage is incredible and her dedication to ballet is unparalleled. Robbie with out a doubt will inspire dancers from around the world, her love of ballet is immense. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 4 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I have been training at Master Ballet Academy for the past two years.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 8 years. I went on pointe at around age 11 and I am now 19.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

California Ballet came to do the Nutcracker where I danced in Victorville, CA. They held auditions at the local studio and I got a part. Then when I moved to San Diego I started dancing at California Ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

It is so hard to pick just one variation, but I prefer more exciting variations such as Kitri and Gamzatti.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Well my big dream would be The Royal Ballet, but I will be happy anywhere with a great director and good repertoire and opportunities that challenge.

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

I feel really honoured to have been accepted as one of the seniors’ competitors in the USA IBC. It is a prestigious competition that happens every four years, many of the top dancers around the world have competed there in the past.

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

Polina Semionova will always be one of my favourite ballerinas. She inspired me to want to become a professional ballet dancer when I saw her music video on YouTube at age 10.

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

I’ve received a lot of great advice from all of my teachers. Something that has always stuck with me is when Mr. Ellison told me to stay out of my head and to always dance all out. He told me this when I was about 13 so I think that is why it stuck with me.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

That’s tough, but I really do love the romantic tutus

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

I love to head back to San Diego to see my friends and family in California. I miss the ocean when I’m away! I also love music, so seeing bands play is always fun. (Hunny and The Growlers are some of my favourites.)