Meet Innis Robertson-Pinnell | Dancer, Actor and Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Innis Robertson-Pinnell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Innis, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It just felt right from the beginning. I was that kid who couldn’t sit still, always flipping, moving, trying something new. Growing up in Glasgow, with family ties to the Hebrides, football was the go to for most boys. But I was in the gym working on my tumbling, and in the dance studio chasing something that felt way more me.

Dance lit something up in me, and I knew early on that the stage was where I belonged. I still remember my first competition in Blackpool when I was six. I panicked at first and ran off, my teachers had to physically push me back out.. That day I won my first competition trophy at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. That moment stayed with me, not because of the medal, but because it showed me what happens when you push through fear and trust yourself.

From there, everything started to build. I trained in both dance and acting at Sylvia Young Theatre School in London where I also began exploring voiceover work learning how to bring characters to life through sound. That early foundation led to projects with Nickelodeon and Thomas & Friends, which gave me a whole new appreciation for storytelling off camera. I played Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the West End, directed by Sam Mendes, and later moved to LA to study at AMDA, it was here where I unlocked my commercial edge and expanded my skillset. After graduating, I signed with Go 2 Talent Agency and began performing professionally across the city, including dancing on stage at the Dolby Theatre and at LA Fashion Week. Whether it be stage, screen, or the voice booth, I’ve always gone for work that genuinely connects with the audience.

And none of it would have been possible without the backing of my parents. They believed in me from day one, even when the path wasn’t clear. Their support gave me the freedom to take big risks, move halfway across the world, and stay grounded through it all.

That first competition at six taught me something I’ve carried ever since. When you show up scared but still commit, you unlock something powerful. That is what has shaped my career, and is still what drives me today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ am a movement based performer who tells stories across dance, acting & voiceover.

What sets me apart is that I’m building a transatlantic career that’s stays true to who I am. My Scottish upbringing and diverse training gives me a unique edge.

My career spans stage, screen and voice. I’ve performed on London’s West End, danced at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and LA Fashion week. My television work includes appearances on BBC, Strictly Come Dancing and I have voiced characters for Nickelodeon. But it’s never been about stacking up credits. Its about gaining experience and growing as an artist, being able to grow and discover my artistry and embrace my differences, they are what make me unique. I know where I come from, and I let that show up in everything I do.

I grew up in Glasgow, where football was everything, but I chose a different path, dance. Some people didn’t understand my choice and that made it challenging. However the clash between what was expected of me and the path I chose, taught me to trust in myself and it built a resilience that I carry into every audition room and onto every stage,

A street dance class in Oxford changed everything. My teacher passed my name to a casting director, that led to an audition. Next thing I knew, I was playing Mike Teavee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the West End, being directed by Sam Mendes. The whole thing was surreal! I learnt to hold my own in a professional space. A review from Box Office London even said I had “great dance moves and hyperactive levels of energy.” That was a turning point.

From there I received a scholarship place at Sylvia Young Theatre School, where I expanded into tv commercial work, live performances at West End Live and voice work for Nickelodeon. I was awarded an International scholarship to AMDA which prompted my move to Los Angeles. The training I received there expanded my dance range and allowed me to train intensely in commercial dance. After graduating, I signed with Go 2 Talent Agency, danced at LA Fashion Week, and performed on stage at the Dolby Theatre. It’s been amazing!

It was definitely not easy. I’ve had setbacks, rejections, injuries and moments where my confidence has been tested. But I’ve learned to keep moving. If something doesn’t go my way, I reset, train harder, and come back stronger. The next opportunity doesn’t care about the last one, and that mindset’s helps me stay motivated.

What I’m most excited about right now is preparing for Magic Mike Live auditions. It’s pushing me physically but in a good way.

What do I want people to know?

That I’m building a career with intention, not just credits. Im always open to growth and improvement, I care about the connection with the audience, whether I’m on stage, on camera, or behind the mike, That’s what keeps me motivated.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Funny you should ask that! My old school friend is visiting soon from London and I’ve already thought about this .

Day 1.

We would start with a hike through Griffith Park up to the Hollywood sign, it’s a tough climb, but well worth it for the unreal views over the city. After the hike we would head down to Beachwood Café. It’s a great place for breakfast and Harry Styles wrote about it in his song Falling.

Day 2

First stop would be the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Chinese Theatre. You have got to crouch down next to your favourite star and get the handprint photo.

I would then suggest taking a class at Millennium it’s one of my go to spots for training, and drop by Eighty Eight Studios in North Hollywood to introduce my friend to Nick Gilligan and Caoife Coleman, fellow Brits who welcomed me to LA and run one of my favourite creative spaces.

Day 3.

Wander through La’s Arts District, maybe check out some galleries, and grab lunch at my favourite Italian restaurant Bestia.

Day 4.

Midweek, we could escape to Paradise Cove in Malibu for a beach day and a bite to eat.

Day 5.

Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach would take up another day, maybe go for a workout at muscle beach, then wonder the boardwalk to watch the street performers and skateboarders do their tricks. We would definitely grab a seat at the Sidewalk Cafe and just people watch. It’s a mixed crowd and you see all sorts of characters.

Day 6

We would take a drive through Rodeo Drive and Beverley hills. I’ve got to show my friend the affluence of Berverly Hills, but we won’t be able to afford to eat there so back to my local In-N-Out Burger to introduce my friend to the Double -Double.

Day 7.

We would end the week by escaping the city and heading to Runyon Canyon, it’s where I like to go to clear my head.

A mix of movement, art, and sunshine. That’s LA to me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without the support of my parents none of this would have been possible.

All my teachers at
Dance Dreams Theatre school Glasgow
Sylvia Young Theatre School London
AMDA College of The performing Arts
Los Angeles

Go to Talent Agency LA
Nick Gilligan and Caoife Coleman Eighty Eight Dance

Website: https://innisrp.squarespace.com/

Instagram: Innis_rp

Image Credits
LeeGumbs.photography

yellowbellyphoto