Xinrui was born in Zhuhai, China and began her professional ballet training at the Shanghai Ballet School. Then she joined the Guangzhou Ballet Company after graduation. During the year with the Guangzhou Ballet Company, she performed in several classical ballets such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, Paquita. In 2018, she graduated Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Purchase College, Conservatory of Dance with a BFA, concentration in Ballet. Throughout the years in New York, Xinrui has had the privilege of performing and working with Brian Enos, Jonathan Riedel and Michelle Ulerich. Performing works by Marius Petipa and George Balanchine.
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
My teacher from the local studio in China. I used to hate dancing before I met her. She found out my gift and opened a new world for me. Then I auditioned for the Shanghai Dance School and got in after I had studied 4 months with her.
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
It seems I have a very boring career. There are no funny episodes in my dance career. All I can remember was boring and tedious.
Who would you most like to share the stage with (living or dead)?
I would love to share the stage with my college teacher Rosanna Seravalli, who was a dancer with ABT. She is so beautiful and gorgeous. I am very curious about her career, but she has never talked about her career, or shown any of her dance footage or photos.
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
Staying calm by listening to classical music and do some jumping and push-ups to pump my blood.
What do you like/admire most about San Diego Ballet?
I like the various repertories, it gives me the opportunity to try both classical and contemporary ballet pieces. And the atmosphere here is very healthy.