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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Sonja Dene Dance Studios

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch pointe shoes with the style grace

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I guess I just wanted to start dancing

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Queen of the Dryads or one from Giselle

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Either the Australian ballet or one in Europe but I’ve never really had a favourite

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

Not really one particular memory I just love my classes and I love dancing with my friends

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

I think that all professional dancers are amazing but some of my favourite would be Misty Copeland and Marianela Nunez

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

You have to dance for you and because you love it not because others want you to

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

Doesn’t matter how talented you are when you start, the people who get the furthest are the ones who try the hardest

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

You get to make people smile when you dance

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

A lot of time, very mentally and physically hard on your body

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”?

Yes I have but then I think ‘what would I do without dance like I would miss it so much’ and also I love it

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No but I have Achilles issues which sucks

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

Read, sew & draw