I recently had the chance to ask Kelsey some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kelsey is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of 5 but I became much more serious about it at age 14

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

My studio recently went out of business due to COVID-19 but I’m in the process of finding a new one

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 3 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk Sonnet

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in ballet class when I was little but I never really enjoyed it until I saw a preformance at age 14 and decided it was my passion.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There’s so many variations I love but the sugarplum fairy variation holds a special place in my heart

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My favorite company is probably the New York City ballet, dancing with them would be a dream

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

My favorite memory of ballet is probably my first recital after I went to a more challenging school and started working very hard. My father was so proud of me, I came off stage and we both cried. One of my favorite memories in general

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

Michaela DePrince is the most inspiring dancer and I absolutely adore her. She’s definitely my role model!

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

“Don’t try, do.”

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

Don’t worry about how good others are, don’t compare. Everyone is on their own journey

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Getting to be apart of something special, being able to have a place where the rest of the issues in the world just cant impact me, and being around the people that I’ve met

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Hardest thing would probably be actually getting myself to regularly stretch and work hard

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 do have days where I’m frustrated and I don’t see the point, but then I remember that ballet has made me who I am today and has really helped me grow as a person

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Depends on the ballet but probably classical.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Not yet!!

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

When I’m not dancing I like to spend time with my friends 🙂