Gillian Turner Age: 17 Height: 5'8" Pointe Shoe Brand / Size: Freed 5 1/2 XX Birthplace: New York, NY Age she began dancing: 8 Present School: School of American Ballet Dance Specialty: Ballet Previous Training/Schools: Rock School Pacific Northwest Ballet Chatauqua NYSSA Ballet Academy East (Suzanne Farrell's) Cedar Islands When did you first know you wanted to be a dancer? Around age 7 Who is your favorite dancer and why? Favorite dancers include Wendy Whelan, Maria Kowrowski, and Peter Boal. Who is your favorite dance company and why? NYCB is one of my favorite companies in addition to ABT and Pennsylvania Ballet. What do you hope to be doing in five years? I hope to be dancing with a major professional company. Your advice for anyone training to become a dancer: Learn to appreciate the wonderful moments of dance that way it is easier to deal with negative aspects such as injuries, stress or rejection.