Another year has passed, and with it, one of our beloved students is graduating! Kinsley has been with us for fifteen years, and we have loved watching her grow into the beautiful dancer she is today. In this post, Kinsley shares her dancing background, interests, and plans for the future.
Kinsley Kriloff
How long have you been at SRB? If you danced at any other studios, how long have you been dancing altogether?
I have been dancing since I was two, but have been with SRB since I was three years old. I have been with this Studio for about fifteen years now!
What made you want to start dancing?
The main reason I started dancing was because of my mom. She put me in ballet a couple days a week in someone’s house in a small sunroom of hers. I had no idea what an amazing studio it would one day become.
Why do you love ballet now?
One huge reason why I love ballet is because of all of my friends I have met along the way. Some of my best friends I have met through ballet and dancing. I love the community it creates by sharing one thing we are all passionate about—the art of movement. Another reason why I love it so much is the discipline I have received and the many life lessons I have been able to apply into my own life from countless teachers and coaches.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
One of my favorite pieces to perform was Moonlight Sonata. That piece has a very special place in my heart because the choreography was so fun to perform. The amount of preparation and rehearsals made it so worth it because I felt so accomplished after performing it. I also got to be able to dance with my best friends, and that made the whole experience even sweeter.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role is Juliet in the ballet Romeo and Juliet. This ballet is one of my favorites to watch and Juliet has always stood out to me and I love everything about her and her role.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I have a huge love for tap dancing and all the amazing sounds that can be created with just some shoes and our feet. I have always loved the sounds and music it creates and how much fun people look like they have when they are performing!
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
One thing I love to do outside of ballet is be outside or spend time with my family and play games. I love a good competition or card game!
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
Some of my most special memories have been because of Studio R and with the friends I have made. One special memory that I have been able to repeat is moments before going on stage and talking as a team. This feeling is special because we get to tell each other how proud we are and that we are so happy to be dancing together. These moments I will always cherish and I look back on often. I am so sad that these talks and moments shared together before going on stage have to come to an end!
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
One thing I have to say is show up. Go to all the classes, even on the hard days. It can be tough to go even when you feel like you can’t. Consistency is key to helping a person grow and become who they want to be.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I am taking a step away from ballet and actually moving out of the country! I am moving to Costa Rica to teach elementary kids English. This volunteer experience is one I am so excited for! After teaching, I am planning to move up to Utah and attend UVU to go to school to become a paralegal.
Anything else you want to tell about yourself?
I have grown up dancing and there hasn’t been a day I wouldn’t tell people of how proud I was to be a ballerina. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to become where I am today. I honestly couldn’t imagine my life without being a ballerina and without SRB. I am so proud to be where I am today and am so glad for Studio R Ballet in my life. I am so happy that I have been able to dance for so long. Dancing has given me an outlet to grow and become the person I am today.
