I had the chance to ask Evelyn Robinson some questions about her journey as a ballerina recently. Evelyn is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I first started ballet when I was 3, but I’ve been dancing around the house for as long as I can remember.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I began pointe when I was almost 11, so about 6 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Suffolk stellars.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me into ballet because from a very young age I was dancing around the house and completely obsessed with Angelina ballerina.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

It’s hard to choose just one variation because I love watching so many of them but have never danced some of them. My favorite   to watch would be the dying swan in swan lake. And my favorite to dance would probably be Giselle’s  variation in  act I.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for The Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. Of course those are some pretty big dreams, so ABT would be incredible as well.

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

Dancing the grande pas de deux from the Nutcracker for an open audience after it was originally cancelled due to weather is more than I could ever explain in words. The audience was so responsive and almost grateful. As I was dancing I felt like I was in a completely different universe with my partner. The pressure, nerves, and pain from my recently sprained ankle all went away as I felt nothing and everything all at the same time. I’m not exactly sure how to explain it, but it’s kind of like everything inside of me was alive, including my passion

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

My favorite ballet dancers are Sarah Lamb, Hee Seo, Maria Kochetkova, Sylvie Guillem, and Ulyana  Lopatkina. Once again it’s so hard to pick just one.

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

Dancers are always working to  try and please other people but you have to learn to do this for yourself.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

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

I’m always dancing and working on getting better, but when I’m not I tend to get deprived of movement so I enjoy doing active things… like walking and listening to music, swimming, pilates, hiking, etc.