Time for a slight change, I decided to ask some of my friends and dancers I follow on Instagram some questions about ballet. Ashleigh Bennett is an incredible dancer from Australia and is a wonderful person, I had the pleasure of asking her about her incredible journey as a ballet dancer. It has been a joy watching her continue to grow as a dancer, strive to reach her dreams and make me hungry with her incredible baking.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

i started ballet when I was 10 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I have been working for the West Australian Ballet for the last 3 years, but I am about to pursue my career overseas.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started dancing en pointe when I was 12

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear custom Bloch shoes in the heritage style, although I have also worn freed in the past

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started ballet after seeing a small local production of the sleeping beauty. I was about 7 at the time, but there wasn’t a dance school close to where I lived. as soon as I moved close to one, I started lessons

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have so many favourite variations it’s impossible to choose! one that is special to me is the prayer solo from coppelia, because this was the first variation I performed on opening night, with a professional company

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the wiener Staatsballett in Vienna. My grandfather was born in Vienna, so it would be incredibly special for me to dance with this company

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

One of my favourite memories is when I performed as the queen of the dryads from don quixote. I had performed this ballet when I was younger, so to revisit the ballet and be given a soloist role, was very special

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

My ballet role model is Svetlana Zakharova. I was trained in the russian style, and so find her strength, control and the characterisation she gives to her roles, something that I aspire towards

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received was actually from my mum, who is definitely not your typical dance mum. she never pushed me, just provided me with so much support and encouragement. she used to tell me to be the best version of myself that I could. Not to try to mimic or be like anyone else. She would say that the world already has those people, what they need is an Ashleigh.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu definitely!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I’m not dancing, I love to bake! I’m a very methodical person, so I love following recipes. being in the kitchen is my happy place when I’m off the stage, and I love seeing the enjoyment on my friends and family members faces when they are eating my baked goods! I also love to read, or take my puppy for walks