I recently had the joy of asking Lauryn Brown some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Lauryn is an amazing dancer, she dances so elegantly with poise, her dedication to ballet is incredible and without a doubt she’ll inspire the next generation ballerinas. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at around 5 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Master Ballet Academy.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe at 11 years old, so it’s been about 4 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko pointe shoes, and recently switched to the 2007 model.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet because I begged my mom to take me when I was 4 years old. She had no idea that I would still be doing it years later!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation to watch is Aurora’s Wedding variation, but my favorite to dance usually changes based on my mood.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for the Royal Ballet or American Ballet Theatre

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

My favorite memory in ballet was my first time performing a variation, at YAGP in 2017.

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

My first ballet role model was Misty Copeland, because she was the first African American ballerina I had seen in a major company.

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

I think that some of my best advice came from Rasta Thomas, who told me that staring in the mirror is one of the worst things you can do as a student. Many of us get caught up in the mirror and try to evaluate how we look, but we also have to remember that our teachers’ job is to correct us!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love classical tutus!

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

When I’m not dancing, I like to cook, or hang out with my friends.