I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ask outstanding Australian dancer Elisabeth Wenta who currently is dancing at Washington Ballet in the USA. Elisabeth is an incredible dancer who graces a stage so wonderfully. Her poise and grace is unparalleled. Elisabeth has an incredibly bright future in ballet. Her passion for ballet is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 6 years old but begged to start earlier. I was allowed to start when I started school.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently in my last semester at the Washington School of Ballet in the Pre-Professional Program but am soon going back to train at Premiere Elite over the break.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe work at 11.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Energetiks, Almaz and have for the past 3 years.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved by watching tv shows growing up like Angelina Ballerina and I begged my mum to start, also my mum was previously a ballet dancer and is now a ballet teacher.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a couple favourites, I love Esmeralda, The 3rd Odalisque solo from Le Corsaire, the Pas D’esclave also from Le Corsaire and the Odile black swan variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Queensland Ballet, The Washington Ballet, Orlando Ballet, but in general I would just love to work and dance.

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

Dancing twice, over in New Zealand at the Alana Haines Awards was pretty memorable and special, and also the week before I moved over to America I completed my solo seal exam and didn’t know that I had gotten my solo seal until months later whilst I was overseas, that was special as it was my last RAD ballet exam to complete all of them and I was quite nervous and stressed about it.

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

My teacher Miss Sara (Sara Moore) has inspired me since I started having her at age 12, and still does and I’m so excited to go back to see her. She continually pushes me and brings out the best in me. I love watching Esmiana Jani, who is a company dancer here at the Washington ballet, I love the way she dances. Also, Iana Salenko … she has the most incredible lines and fluidity and still has such beautiful artistry.

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

From Miss Sara and Miss Kahlia back at home have always said that if you’re not working hard than someone else is working harder which is so true and has always pushed me, and also from Miss Gaither (Elizabeth Gaither) here in Washington has told our class that we need to treat every day in the studio like it’s our last because we don’t know what could happen, a bad injury or anything, so it could be.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer a classical tutu, although in Giselle I think the simple romantic tutus are beautiful.

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

In my free time I love to swim! Or if possible go to the beach, I love preparing my food and cooking and I love spending time with my friends, besides ballet my friends make me the happiest.