I had the opportunity to ask Sarah Wilkerson some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is a fantastic dancer who dances so elegantly with copious amounts of joy while on stage. Her dedication to ballet is immense. Below are her answers

Q1: When did you start ballet?

So, I started dancing when I was about four years old. I had just seen the nutcracker and fell in love with it and begged my mom for months to let me try it and she finally did. But I only did jazz and tap classes. So technically I started ballet when I was 12. So, I had to work really hard to catch up to everyone else my age but luckily, I had great teachers to help me.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently in Oregon Ballet Theater’s Second Company.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe since I was 13 so about 6 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear custom Freed Classics. Usually in circle cross or butterfly maker.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I saw the nutcracker when I was 3 and loved it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation isn’t well known but it’s called “la cigarette” from Suite In la blanc. Either that or Balanchine’s diamonds

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

PNB

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

One of my favourite moments was this past season I was dancing in waltz of the flowers in balanchines nutcracker and it just hit me that I had made it. Waltz of the flowers was my favourite as a kid, so it was really special to get to do it with Oregon Ballet theatre. Especially since I never thought I would even make it this far.

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

Some of my favourite dancers are Sara Mearns, Darcey Bussell, and Tamara Rojo.

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

Some of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received are “If they can do, so can you”, “ Don’t train to be a Corp de ballet dancer, train to be the principal” and “it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish” that spoke to me especially because I started so far behind my peers, but if you love something and work hard enough at it nothing will stop you from reaching your goal.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

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

When I’m not dancing I love hanging out with my friends, going on hikes, and trying out new places to eat.