I had the great pleasure of being able to ask Sarah Blake some questions about her time as a ballerina. She is a wonderful dancer, incredibly dedicated to ballet and an incredibly nice person. Her love and passion for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her answers.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with New Jersey Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en point for 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch European balance

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was very shy and I have two younger siblings so my mom had to put me in something so I would get detached from her. According to her the day of my first ballet class I walked in without saying goodbye to her which was odd for me to do which makes me think that I knew right away that I would want to dance for the rest of my life

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

La Esmeralda

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream is to dance with New York City Ballet…but that would never happen

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

When it was my second year at njb and my teacher who I had both years forgot my name and called me Susan! I did something right in a combo and he goes yes Susan (there is no Susan in my class)

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

Tiler Peck, Sara Mearns, Megan Fairchild, among many company dancers at NJB

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

I’ve have improved a lot since the last time that specific teacher taught and continued to tell me to never give up that I will keep on improving!!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic

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

I am very involved with helping people! I am going to college for dance therapy which I will be able to combine two of my loves!!! I want to do that when I’m done with my career as a professional dancer (if that ever happens)