We at Studio R Ballet are incredibly proud of our graduating students. Through the years, we’ve felt so privileged to help shape them into the beautifully talented dancers they are today. To honor our graduating seniors, we’ve interviewed each of them to find out more about their backgrounds, interests, and hopes for the future.
Emrie Pace
How long have you been at SRB? Have you had any outside training?
I have been dancing with SRB for 13 years! I’ve also gone to summer intensives at Master Ballet Academy (2018) and Ballet West (2020 and 2021).
What made you want to start dancing?
I was about four years old when I started ballet, and honestly I didn’t have much interest in it at all. My cousin started doing it, so my parents put me in classes at SRB with her. I’m their only girl and they thought it was cute. I actually hated ballet until I was about nine and wanted to quit so badly, but my mom told me that if I finished out the year, then I didn’t have to do ballet anymore. I continued going to class, but the only thing that kept me going was the fact that I could quit soon. But something flipped, and by the end of the year I completely fell in love with it. Thanks mom 😉
Why do you love ballet now?
Ballet has taught me to be very disciplined and to have a strong work ethic. It pushes me to be the best version of myself physically, mentally, and even spiritually. I dance for the moments that make all of the training worth it, the moments that are so beautiful and fulfilling. Ballet is seriously so much fun. But the biggest reason I dance is because I look at ballet as a gift from God and I want to honor that.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
My favorite variation that I have performed is Odette from Swan Lake. It’s so technically difficult but so beautiful. I loved feeling the emotion of Odette in that piece and really trying to become her character in the performance.
What’s your dream role?
There’s so many that I would love the opportunity to perform but I would have to say Juliet from Romeo and Juliet or Odette/Odile in Swan Lake!
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I like to put in some AirPods and listen to the music that I’ll be dancing to. I visualize myself doing it perfectly and imagine how it feels as I execute the steps and how it feels when I finish my performance. I try to make it feel as real as possible so that on stage I can repeat the image that I saw in my head. Muscle memory kicks in more when I do this and I find that I don’t have to think as much about the technicality of the piece and I can let go and just become the character.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
One of my favorite things to do is go camping and four-wheeling up in the mountains with my family of all brothers. I also love a night out with my friends!
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
There are so many special memories with SRB. One of my favorites being this past Nutcracker when myself and two of my best friends were as the Sugar Plum Fairy. It was really cool to have rehearsals with them and to learn from our amazing coaches, partner, and each other. Watching Emersyn and Kate perform that role was super special and emotional to me because I know how hard we’ve all worked for a moment like that. The Sugar Plum pas is one of my favorite roles and it was such a dream to perform with SRB.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
I would say work on having a strong mindset and believe in yourself always, even before you necessarily see outcomes. It’s important to envision what you want in your mind and then to work hard to achieve it. Learn from things that don’t work out the way you would have liked and don’t let it affect you too much. Also, dance is so much fun if you approach it in the right way. Let go of being perfect for everyone and yourself all the time, and dance because you love it, not because you feel like you have to.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I’m planning on pursuing a career in ballet!
(Note: Emrie has currently received an invitation to World Ballet Competition Finals and YAGP Finals as a soloist. She has also been offered trainee positions at Florida Ballet and State Street Ballet on scholarship.)
Kylie Hancock
How long have you been at SRB? Have you had any outside training?
I started at someone’s home when I was three and switched from one teacher’s house to another until I found SRB when I was eight. I’ve also done one summer intensive at Boise State University. I’ve been with SRB for ten years and have loved every second. I’ve been dancing for 14 years all together.
What made you want to start dancing?
Seeing other incredible dancers on TV and in performances I saw when I was younger.
Why do you love ballet now?
It’s an incredible art form that is both structural and beautiful. Telling stories through movement is so much fun. Especially when I can’t explain things very well with words. Movement comes easier than anything else when I try to portray emotions. That, and it’s a really good mentally focusing art form. It clears my head and calms my emotions.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I loved performing Walpurgis Night. It’s about a nymph who is being pursued by a lot of guys. The variation is fast and fun with turns and hops en pointe. It also challenged me to be a better dancer and it helped my stamina for dancing.
What’s your dream role?
Juliet or Odette/Odile. I love the pas de deux they both do and the lightness of Juliet and intense emotions of Swan Lake. That, and both are just gorgeous and challenging roles.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
Yes! Ballroom is second to ballet for sure. It’s so much fun and I’ve learned a lot about how to trust other people while I’m dancing. I also love contemporary and the freedom of expression that comes with it. Musical theater is just a blast along with tap and character.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
Singing, baking, reading, and more recently embroidering. I love creating and learning new things in each of these fun hobbies to help me get better and learn more.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
A lot! But some of my favorites are special moments backstage before and after performing. We all hug and pray together and create such an incredible environment that even if you mess up, it’s ok because in the end we are still a dance family that can never be replaced.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
If you really want it and put forward your best everyday, you will get better and achieve your reward. Even if you don’t become a perfect dancer, you will learn and grow so much! But most of all, have fun!
Anything else you want to tell about yourself?
Dance is a kind of therapy for me. When I go to dance class, the rest of the world melts away and I feel at home and alive. I feel emotions and my body like never before and will always be dancing because it has become a part of who I am.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I’m planning on going to college at BYUI and taking dance classes there while working toward a Dance major. I would also love to audition for companies and work on a choreography style to pursue. Something new, fun, and fresh.
Emma Brenay
How long have you been at SRB? Have you had any outside training?
Yes, when I was young. From 2007 to 2009 I was at a studio that has since closed. I have been at Studio R ballet since 2010.
What made you want to start dancing?
My parents made the choice to put me in dance when I was young, but I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love dancing.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love ballet now because it is a break from my outside life. When I dance, I feel free and there are no worries inside the studio or on the stage. I love the happiness and peace I feel when I dance.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I loved getting the chance to perform a variation from La FIlle Mal Gardée this year at YAGP. It is an upbeat variation and I had so much fun performing it. But, I love performing any variation!
What’s your dream role?
Juliet from Romeo and Juliet.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I love Broadway and contemporary!
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I love listening to music to hype myself up as well as talking to all the girls at my studio and having fun with them. I also say a prayer either as a group or by myself before going on stage.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
I have been in choir since the third grade and have loved it. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I love traveling!
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
One of my favorite memories was our spring concert in 2019 when we found out we were moving to the new studio. I also loved performing in YAGP the past two years. Performing at YAGP has helped me grow as a dancer and has helped me grow closer to all the girls at the studio. It is ALWAYS a positive environment at SRB and I have loved every memory I have made being there.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
The best advice I can give is to just dance. Sometimes a dancer feels the need to be perfect and doesn’t immediately see improvement, but consistency and determination pay off and the positive results will follow. Don’t worry about what others think—just dance.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I will be attending BYU in Provo, Utah and getting my BA in dance. My main goal is to become a dance teacher.
Emersyn Washburn
How long have you been at SRB? Have you had any outside training?
I have been dancing with Studio R Ballet since I was four. So a total of 14 years. I have not gone to any summer intensives or studios other than SRB. But I have done countless amounts of master classes through YAGP as well as classes provided by State Street Ballet, Ballet Arizona, Ballet West, and School of American Ballet.
What made you want to start dancing?
My parents put me in ballet classes. Also, my older sister was taking classes with Studio R Ballet and I looked up to her and she really inspired me.
Why do you love ballet now?
I think what I truly love about ballet is how personal it is to each and every dancer. It is so inspiring to go to the studio and share the love for the art form together. It’s an escape from the world; to get lost within yourself, trying to improve yourself in the art form.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I love performing Swanhilda from Coppélia, Act III. It is such a fun variation and one I can truly enjoy the whole time! When I was preparing for this piece two years ago, that’s when I really felt a huge growth in my ballet. Performing this variation wasn’t just a dance, it was to a way to express my love for ballet as well as embodying Swanhilda.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role has always been Giselle and I am excited to perform Giselle for the spring show.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
I really love contemporary and how I can let go and dance. I am also part Navajo, so I enjoy watching my relatives doing the traditional dances.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
I buy 3 pairs of pointe shoes for each month and I barely make that last. So each pair lasts a little over a week.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Before performances I like to do a few things. I like to listen to music, say a prayer, and knock on the stage for good luck. Those three things really help me get into the right mindset for the stage and show.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
Some of my most cherished memories are preparing for YAGP. In the months preparing with the girls for our ensemble and solos, we all grew so much together. We’ve had some inspiring talks and during these 6 years doing that these girls truly have become my family.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
Comparison is the thief of joy. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Love the process and the moment you feel comfortable is the moment that you need to change and grow.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I will be putting my artistry somewhere else. Although I received a scholarship and placement with State Street Ballet, I have decided to go to school to become an interior designer. I thank ballet for inspiring me for this new adventure.
Kate Whitfield
How long have you been at SRB? Have you had any outside training?
I did a summer intensive at BYU summer of 2018 and summer of 2019. I’ve been dancing since I was ten consistently, but I did dance when I was four in the Elowes’ sunroom for a year back when Robbin first started teaching. Overall, I’ve been dancing for about eight years.
What made you want to start dancing?
I grew up going to The Nutcracker every year. The year I turned ten I went to see it, just like every year, and something just clicked. I knew I wanted to do it and begged my mom to put me in. It only took a few months before I started to progress and with each new level I fell more and more in love with it.
Why do you love ballet now?
I love the freedom and escape I get from it. I have such a stressful life, being a full-time student and working a job, so having a safe space where I can explore myself is a huge blessing and relief.
What’s your favorite piece/variation to perform? Why?
I love performing any Paquita variation. i love her story—rags to riches—and her spunk yet grace that she carries. She’s fiery and fearless and so fun to perform.
What’s your dream role?
My dream role would be either Paquita or Gamzatti from La Bayadère.
Do you have a particular love for any other forms of dance?
Part of me always wishes I were a contemporary hip hop dancer. The fluidity and sharpness of their movements draws me in every time.
How long does it take you to go through a pair of pointe shoes?
A new pair of shoes lasts about an hour and a half before I need to glue them. Then they’ll last about two weeks after that with glueing every three to four classes.
How do you relax and repair your body after a strenuous day of training or performing?
I always make sure to eat good protein, take a long hot bath, and nap when I can.
What do you like to do outside of ballet?
I love singing and planning parties. i throw parties all the time for people I love and for any event I can find an excuse for. I also love hiking, going to the river, paddle boarding, going to the lake—anything outside.
Do you have any special memories or experiences from dancing with SRB?
All of my experiences competing in YAGP for the studio have brought me closer to all of the girls I compete with. They’ve become my best friends and we’ve gone and done amazing things together.
What advice do you have for aspiring dancers?
It’s hard, but make sure you show up and dance, ESPECIALLY on the days you don’t want to go. Work hard and don’t forget about your passion.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I was one of 40 dancers worldwide accepted to University of Utah’s ballet BFA program. So I’m moving up to Salt Lake and majoring in ballet as well as pre med/biology.
