I had the opportunity recently to ask Kaya Jones some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kaya is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 11, almost 12

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Idaho Regional Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk Spotlight!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I used to do gymnastics and a local studio wanted tumblers for the Russian Nutcracker dance. After that, I fell in love with ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love Giselle’s variation in act 1 and the White Swan variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any ballet company, but my dream is to dance with Ballet West in Salt Lake, City, Utah

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

Working in the studio with Peter Merz at my summer intensive last year. He was so inspiring and helped me gain a lot more confidence

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

Maria Khoreva and Beckanne Sisk. They are both so motivated and their passion shines through on stage

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

Average dancers don’t get jobs! It’s a little harsh to take, but it’s such valuable knowledge. You have to push yourself everyday. You need to be perfecting your technique and finding what makes you stand out even during barre work

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Stay focused on yourself. Everyone has a different path in ballet, so don’t be distracted by anyone else

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Being able to express things that go deeper than words

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Keeping up your confidence. You’re going to have off days. You’re going to sit on the sidelines sometimes. There’s always going to be someone who is stronger and better. It’s how you use these things to motivate you to keep going

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Never! I can’t imagine a day without dancing. Whenever I start to feel tired or burned out, I take some time to reset my mind and body so that I can be fresh and motivated back in the studio.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Have you ever suffered a serious injury? I struggled with stress fractures in my tibias last year

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to be outside and hanging out with friends!