I recently had the opportunity to ask the phenomenal Peyton Anderson some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Peyton is an amazing dancer who graces the stage with incredible joy, determination and ownership. Without a doubt, Peyton will inspire the next generation of dancers who idolize ballerinas. Below are her answers.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently dance with The Washington Ballet in a Washington DC

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

En pointe for 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Currently wear Grishko pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom was a dancer so she put me in dance at the age of 4 and I have alwaysssss loved it 🙂

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Fav variation is Aurora sleeping beauty or one variation from Paquita (they don’t have names)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I currently work already with TWB but if I were to be in any company in the world it would be Royal Ballet

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

Fav memory is being offered a trainee spot with a full scholarship in person by Julie Kent after performing my variations at the ADC IBC competition

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

I absolutely love Natalia Osipova, Alina Somova, Iana Salenko, and Julie Kent

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

The best advice from a dancer is when I wasn’t feeling good one day but I pushed myself and forced myself to smile through it and my teacher said to me “keep that up and you’ll make it”… very simple but it has stuck with me for a while and really has made a difference in self discipline

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love the classical tutu. Shows the line better and more beautiful to the eye in my opinion

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

I like to work out and do a lot of self care. I like learning about food, I’m very spiritual so I’m always reading about how I can improve my connection with body, mind and soul, I wring in my journal and I also classify my Instgram and taking pictures journaling too since I post something about everyday that happens in my life .. kind of like a blogger in a way