I had the opportunity recently to ask Ashlynn Rutherford some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Ashlynn is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage everytime with a level of poise and grace that’s unmatched. Her passion and dedication for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years and began seriously training at around 11

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently semi-privately and privately trained and next year will be joining Ballet West as a trainee 😊

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I received my first part of pointe shoes at about 11 1/2 years old

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Gaynor Minden

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me into dance classes when I was really young but I always loved performing.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That’s a hard one! I would probably have to say Walpurgisnacht because I love the character and it has some of my favorite steps but I also love Black Swan

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Right now I can’t wait to begin working with Ballet West!

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

I think my favorite memories are the times I’ve spent with my amazing friends and teachers. If I had to pick one definitive moment, I would probably say the night I won third place at Universal Ballet Competition and receive a scholarship to the Ballet West summer intensive in 2017. That moment was truly a blessing that led to the traineeship I have now.

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

My teachers have always been a big inspiration to me

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

The mindset of maximizing my own potential is probably the best advice I’ve ever received. It’s easy in the dance world to become disheartened by a lack of something rather than by enhancing the gifts we already possess as unique individuals.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

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

If I’m not dancing I’m probably studying. School work aside, I really enjoy art, specifically colored pencil work, as well as photography!