I recently had the opportunity to ask Morgan Ruis some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is an amazing dancer who is incredibly dedicated and has a strong passion for ballet. Morgan is also an incredibly kind and thoughtful person who has immense joy when dancing which is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of 3.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I have been en pointe for 8 years.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have a few pairs of pointe shoes. I wear freed and Bloch. I have to wear strong support shoes.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

My mom signed me up when I was 3 and at first I did not like it. As I grew older I loved going and now it is my whole life!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I really like sugar plum fairy from nutcracker and bluebird from sleeping beauty.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I really like sugar plum fairy from nutcracker and bluebird from sleeping beauty.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I have always wanted to move to California, and I would be interested in the Los Angeles ballet 😊

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

My favorite memories are being in the wings before a performance. I love being able to watch other dancers to keep my mind of being nervous. Being in a costume and being backstage brings me so much joy, but not as much joy as dancing on the stage does.

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

I have always loved Misty Copeland (but who doesn’t). I love that she defies stereotypes in ballet. I also really love Kylie Shea. She makes great videos that she calls “pointe chronicles”. I love her creativity in her videos.

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

Growing up my teachers would always tell me to just have fun on stage. They would always tell me before a competition to just have fun on stage. I was raised to not worry about awards but to just enjoy myself.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love classical tutus 😊

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

I am a college student majoring in marine biology and zoology! I help on campus with animals that we keep in our marine lab. I also love to paint.