I had the chance recently to ask Kenzie Andrews some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kenzie is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance, her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I first started ballet at the age of 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at Atelier Australia on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been enpointe since the age of 10

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Bloch Synthesis pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first found my love for ballet watching my cousins perform and compete here in Australia and in NY

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My Favourite Variation at this point in time would have to Gamzatti. There is so much more to this Beautiful piece than meets the eye, and since learning it I have a true appreciation for technical Beauty of it

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

As far as Companies go I probably have quite a few that stand out for different reasons as I’ve grown as a dancer. So right now I couldn’t give you one answer. We will see where this road takes me

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

One of my favourite moments in ballet was the first time I stepped onto a International stage at the age of 9 in NY for the YAGP finals

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

I am truly inspired by many dancers for many reasons. Steve McRae is a true Aussie inspiration, having begun on the same stages I dance on here in Brisbane. I have worked with the Incredible Dusty Button, who taught me not to hold back being who I am. Petra Conti has overcome so much and is a real inspiration for what is possible. My list goes on and on haha

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

The best advice I’ve received from a teacher would be to learn how to adapt, as life, your body, your situation will be changing constantly

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

Advice I’d give my young self would be not to worry too much about what others are doing, as we all find our own path that is truly ours, and that cannot be compared

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina for me is the opportunity to become a new character on stage and express emotions in a way that needs no words

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

he hardest thing about being a ballerina would be maintaining the motivation on those days when it’s only you and your doubts…. it can be scary

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”?

I’ve always loved ballet and I can’t remember ever thinking Hey maybe this isn’t for me

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

For me I think Classical tutu would be my favourite

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

So far I have not suffered a serious injury, I’ve had some full on growing pains as my legs grew extremely quick

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

In my free time I love spending time with friends and family…..shopping, going to the beach, or just chilling out at home watching movies.