I had the pleasure of asking Canadian ballerina Erin Doherty some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is a wonderful dancer who is incredibly dedicated to ballet. She exudes passion for ballet and this is evident every time she is on stage or in the studio training. Below are her responses

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was five but didn’t get serious about it until I was around 14 or 15.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with Ballet Victoria.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe since I was 12, 9 years!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Grishko novas and have worn them for about a year and a half. I have worn Grishkos for 3 and a half years.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with ballet when my mom put me into classes after doing some creative movement classes with my school and noticing my sense of rhythm and coordination.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variations are Satanella and Aurora act 1 and 2.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is the National Ballet of Canada.

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

One of my favourite moments in ballet would have to be after a successful performance this past fall and getting a standing ovation from a full audience and standing on stage and soaking it all in. It was so gratifying!

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

Dancers that inspire me are Alina Somova, Elena Lobsonova, Isabella Boylston and Jurgita Dronina.

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

The best advice I’ve received from a teacher is that ballet is as hard or even harder sometimes mentally than physically so taking care of your mind and letting it relax and soak up information in a time of rest is very important to be able to perform successfully.

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 in my free time I love to bake, cook, go shopping, interior decorate, and explore Vancouver island!