I had the opportunity recently to ask Kye Amir Cooley some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kye is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with poise, elegance and presence. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at The School of American ballet (SAB)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 10 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed if London pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother used to be a dancer so for her birthday every year she would take me to the ballet. It made me fall in love with the stage.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That’s a hard question. I personally love any variation I have opportunity to learn and even more perform. I enjoy any time I get to watch a Balanchine or Classical variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for New York City Ballet

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

My favourite memories are the times I spend in the studios working with my teachers and friends.

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

Sara Mearns, Marianela Nunez and Natalia Osipova

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

There is no time for timid dancing.

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

Don’t take everything so seriously, flow with what’s happening now.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing and taking on many different characters is my favourite part.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Relaxing. Once I’m in the zone, it’s hard for me to take days off. I just want to keep going, keep learning.

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”?

No. I think it’s all about finding what you like to do and switching it up every now and then. I really love ballet, but I also like other styles of dance. On days when I feel down on myself I like to take a class in a different style or do something fun like watching movies.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I really like tutus, but romantic skirts are easier to travel with.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankfully no,

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

I really love watching movie. I’m also into photography and editing, and I like making up conspiracies about the universe and other things.