
Destiny Wimpye
Colburn Dance Academy, Los Angeles
PD (professional division programme) at
Pacific North West Ballet
starting fall 2020
I fell in love with this image of Destiny as soon as I saw it on Instagram via @shadesofballet
It's a pleasure to have Destiny as the first Freda Silk amabassador based in the US.
Photography by Rachel Neville
Destiny Wimpye, 16, Colburn Dance Academy, staring the Professional Division Programme with Pacific North West Ballet 2020
Why you were interested in being a Freda Silk ambassador
I was interested in being a Freda Silk ambassador because I really love representing different brands that provide dancewear that makes dancers feel beautiful and comfortable.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Georgia.
Do you recall when or how you caught the dance bug?
When I was younger, a dance studio in Georgia came to my daycare and taught us different classes. One of the teachers suggested to my mom that I should come join their studio.
What different styles of dance do you learn? Do you have a favourite style?
My favorite style of dance is ballet. I have learned multiple styles such as Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, African, Horton, Graham, and Dunham.
Do you learn/enjoy choreographing, or prefer to perform other people’s steps?
I prefer to perform other people’s steps. I love learning different variations and ballets.
If you could adapt any book or film into a ballet, what would it be?
I’m not sure if it would work as a ballet but I’m a really big fan of “The Office”!
What is your dream dance role?
Some of my dream dance roles are Dewdrop in Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Russian Girl in Balanchine’s Serenade, and any role in Agon!
Who are your ballet idols?
I really love Ingrid Silva, Nikisha Fogo, and Tiler Peck!
With which company would you like to work in the future?
I would love to work for a Balanchine Company but I would also be interested in more Classical Companies as well.
Do you have any achievements of which you are particularly proud?
When I was younger, I performed with Mariah Carey as a ballerina, I also was given the opportunity to dance at the White House, and more recently I was on the tv show “This Is Us” as a ballerina.
What was the last dance performance you went to see?
I think the performance I went to see was The Mariinsky performing George Balanchine’s Jewels.
What sort of a dancer are you? For example: lyrical, powerful, strong, expressive, precise, athletic, passionate, technical, instinctive....
I think I’m a very powerful and athletic dancer! I love the variations with difficult jumps and turns!!
Do you have a favourite photographer – either someone you’ve worked with or would like to work with in the future?
I loved working with Rachel Neville! She has such great energy so it makes the photoshoots more fun and exciting!
Do you find that putting on a costume or a beautiful flowing rehearsal skirt changes the way you feel? Is there a difference in the way you perform when in costume as opposed to studio wear?
Yes, I definitely think when you are wearing something that makes you feel good, you automatically are more comfortable while you're dancing.
I’m not a dancer, but I love the elegance and grace of the clothes worn by ballet dancers. Do you take it for granted now, or do you get excited about a new ballet skirt, pointe shoes etc?
I’m always excited to receive new leos, skirts, and definitely new pointe shoes!
Do you have any other talents that might surprise people?
I love to cook and I have been trying to learn new things during quarantine!
Do you have some essential / favourite things that you keep in your dance bag?
I always have my skirts and shoes in my dance bag! Along with my toe pads and jet glue.
Which song / piece of music will always get you dancing – doesn’t have to be ballet related!
I love the musical Hamilton!! So anything from that soundtrack will be me singing and dancing!
If you could use your social media following to raise awareness for something besides ballet, what would it be?
I use my social media following not just for ballet but to be an inspiration for anyone who has ever felt different or out of place. I also am using my platform to speak about diversity and normalizing different body types in the ballet world because we were all made differently for a reason.
How do you like to relax?
I’ll watch different shows and movies on Netflix. Also, I’ll watch Hamilton on Disney Plus!!
Follow Destiny on Instagram @destinywimpye