I recently had the chance to ask Ella Hicks from Britain some questions about her journey as an aspiring ballet dancer. She is a wonderful dancer and her photos are amazing. Below are her responses.

Instagram: ella_enpointe

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance at 4 but only proper ballet at 9 when I was accepted as  a Royal Ballet School Junior Associate

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I train at The Hammond which is a full time vocational dance boarding school in the UK

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been enpointe since I was 10, so for 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko Dreampointe. I live Grishko shoes, my first pair were Grishko Pro Flex 2007 and this year I was lucky enough to be selected as an ambassador for the company.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I loved to dance as a small child so my Mum sent me to the local dance school where the teacher thought I had potential.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t really have a favourite, there are so many that I love to watch, it’s too hard to choose!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I really love to act as well as dance so the company I would most enjoy working for would be Matthew Bournes New Adventures, I love their productions so much!

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

Being accepted to train at The Hammond with a full scholarship must be one of my best memories, I have been there since I was 11!

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

My inspirations are Dusty Button, as she is so incredibly strong and Iana Salenko who is just awesome.

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

Always treat corrections as a compliment, it means your teachers believe you can improve

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical every time!

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

I really love to sing and I’m teaching myself to play piano. I’m also a bit of a rollercoaster junkie! 😊😂