I recently had the opportunity of asking Katie L, she’s an incredible dancer, Katie graces the stage with grace and poise. Her passion and dedication for ballet is immense. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 4 years old, right after my family moved back to the US from Russia.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at a really small studio called Creative Movement.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for 6 years now.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I’m currently wearing Suffolk Sterlings. But I’ve had 15 different types of pointe shoes over the years. I have difficult feet to fit.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I decided I wanted to start dancing after I saw the Bolshoi Ballet perform “The Sleeping Beauty” when I lived in Russia.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation has to be Aurora’s act 1 variation right after the Rose Adagio.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for Ballet West. I did their summer intensive and it was AMAZING. The teachers and dancers are so wonderful and the environment is so friendly and caring.

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

My favorite moment has to be when I found out that I would be performing as Aurora in my studios upcoming performance of Sleeping Beauty, which is my dream role.

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

Svetlana Zacharova, obviously, she’s so beautiful and her dancing is so full of emotion. I also love Isabella Boyleston because of her individuality and how it shines through in everything she does.

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

I can’t even choose. I’ve had the privilege of having so many wonderful teachers, each of whom have had great advice for me. One great piece of advice would be to never compare yourself to other dancers, your body and your abilities are completely unique to you, and can’t be compared to anyone else. You can’t force yourself to become another dancer, you can only improve upon yourself.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical! I love the look. Romantic tutus are so hot. They’re like an oven for your legs.

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

I actually have started making tutu overlays and bodices recently. It’s really fun and I actually got to make my own costume for my role as Aurora! I also love to read, and I actually play Dungeons and Dragons with some of my friends (nerdy, I know). Other than that, I like watching Netflix. The Office is my all-time favorite show.