I recently had the chance to ask Kendall Gray some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Kendall is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and strength, her determination and passion is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old because my podiatrist recommend I start it due to my rolling feet.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at the Tanya Pearson Academy in Sydney, Australia but will be starting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in September.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 7 years (since age 11).

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Energetiks pointe shoes in the style Sapfir. I have very narrow, small feet so really love the streamlined look of the shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

(kinda answered already) My parents put my into ballet classes when I was 3 years old at the recommendation of my podiatrist as my feet rolled rather badly. Throughout my training “don’t roll, Kendall” has been a very frequent correction as I strive to lift my arches. Though I no longer hear this correction as much, it’s still something that I have to be very conscious of correcting.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is the Gamzatti Temple variation (Marianela Nunez doing this variation is one of my all time favourite things!)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would honestly love to work for whatever ballet company offers me a contract! It’s such a cutthroat profession and there’s so many good dancers and not enough jobs for all of them that I know I can’t be too restrictive when looking at the companies that I would like to be a part of.

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

This is going to sound rather cliche but every moment on stage is a treasured memory. That constricting, nervous feeling you get right before going on that slowly dissolves as you begin to dance is always so euphoric! I love being on stage and it always reminds me of why I do ballet; because I love it.

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

Marianela Nunez is my favourite ballerina and biggest inspiration. She doesn’t just dance the roles, she performs them and fully embraces whatever character she is portraying. Alina Cojocaru, Natalia Osipova and Maya Plisetskaya are also other inspirations of mine.