I had the chance recently to ask Camryn Potts some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Camryn is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion and dedication to ballet is incredible. There is no doubt that Camryn will be inspiring the next generation of dancers. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was three, but I actually didn’t start intensive ballet training until I was fourteen.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

This past year, I studied at the Kansas City Ballet School’s Day Program.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’m going into my sixth year en pointe.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko Novas! Hard shank Grishkos are the only shoes that last me longer than a class or two…

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Like a lot of little kids, my mom sent me off to ballet class one day for entertainment and exercise, and it just blossomed into something else entirely. I love to act, but I also love to MOVE, and dance is the perfect marriage of the two. I also started researching the life of a ballerina- rehearsing all day and performing all night, dedicating countless hours to their art and being able to express themselves to the absolute best of their ability- and knew that it was a life I had to live.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Odette Act II from Swan Lake!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for any European company with a repertoire mainly featuring story ballets! To me, acting and artistry are the most important things in ballet.

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

My favorite memory is getting to perform Odette’s variation from Swan Lake this past March. The dream of Swan Lake is part of the reason why I wanted to become a ballerina, and getting to experience just those two and a half minutes of it was purely magical. I immersed myself completely in my character and thought about nothing but expression, and somehow, my technique fell into place as just another means to get my message across the feeling I had onstage reminded me that all the struggle I go through for a potential career in ballet is completely worth it.

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

My all-time favorite dancers are Sylvie Guillem, Darcey Bussell, and Gelsey Kirkland, but I’m really drawn to and inspired by any dancer with a devotion to artistry and working as hard as they can.

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

The best advice I’ve ever received from a teacher is to think of technique like a science and remove yourself emotionally from problems in class. Instead of getting frustrated because a pirouette isn’t working, pretend you’re a computer and scan yourself for bugs. Nearly every technical issue can be fixed with basic knowledge of physics and anatomy. Also, that your seat muscles are the most important muscles in ballet and that you should use them always.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classic! They’re just so flattering.

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

I’m an avid writer- I write all the time, and I’m actually working on a novel! Also, I’m an enormous lover of anime, and I spend a lot more time than I should watching it.