I had the pleasure of asking Taihla Kyrwood some questions about her journey as a ballerina recently. She is phenomenal dancer who graces the stage with pure elegance and poise while radiating immense joy and happiness while on stage. The dedication and passion for ballet Taihla has is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet in 2012 when I was 10 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at National College of Dance in Newcastle

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was 12 years old.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Energetics, grande

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I had started out ballet just for fun but after my first ballet teacher took me to a competition one year I fell in love with it and ended up taking it seriously.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Don Quixote Act 3 kitri.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance for Stuttgart.

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

My favourite memory so far is receiving a scholarship to the Harid Conservatory summer school which is where I am going in a few weeks.

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

My biggest ballet role model is Iana Salenko.

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

The best advice I have received from a teacher is to take one step at a time and not overwhelm myself with all these things I feel I have to fix, to work on them one at a time.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu.

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

When I’m not dancing I enjoy reading, jogging and playing video games.