I had the opportunity to one of my favourite dancers on Instagram, Olivia Hansen some questions about her life as a ballerina. She is an incredibly stunning dancer who gracefully dances across the stage with a high level of commitment and dedication to ballet. She dances faultless and effortlessly, she has a love for ballet that is unmatched and undoubtedly will strive to be the best dancer she can be.

Instagram: olivia.eve.hansen

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 3 years old and started focusing on ballet specifically and intensely when I was 9.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently I dance with my teacher George Birkadze, a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia. For the past 2 months I have been taking open classes and privates with George. I also studied with Katya Strelnakova about 3 months ago. She is a graduate of the Perm Ballet School.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 5 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Currently I am using Grishko pointe shoes and also Freed of London pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother danced when she was a child. She did ballet up until I was 4 years old. She did not do ballet professionally but loved the art form.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation would have to be either Giselle act I, Laurencia Act I or Don Quixote.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company would be Houston Ballet or Boston Ballet.

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

One of the most memorable moments for me would have to be performing the white swan pas de deux from Swan Lake. It’s is so technically and emotionally demanding as well as being a very long piece. I love being able to portray the white swan and develop Odette’s complex character.

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

My ballet role models are Ashley Ellis, Miss Kuranaga and Natalia Osipova.

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher was from my teacher George Birkadze. He told me that you have to believe in what you are doing, believe in yourself and the movement will come.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

In my very small amount of free time, I play the ukulele and I like to watch movies while I stretch. In the summer time I like to sail and surf. Other than that, I like to hang out with my friends