I had the pleasure of asking Josephine Pratten some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Josephine is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with real energy, beauty and poise. Josephine’s passion for ballet is outstanding and this is evident through her technique and performances. Below are her responses

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 6 and a half years old at a local dance school, Brisbane Academy of Dance.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I moved to Sydney to continue my training in full-time ballet at Tanya Pearson Academy under the artistic direction of Lucinder Dunn OAM.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started en pointe the month before my 13th birthday. It has been a little over 3 years since my first pointe class.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I have been wearing Grishko 2007’s for almost 10 months, in both medium and hard shanks.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My older sister took up ballet to maintain a friendship from primary school. When I realised my sister was doing ballet, I asked mum everyday for a term before she allowed me to start ballet lessons.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Pas de trois act 1 from Swan Lake. It happens to be the variation I am currently working on.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I am unsure what specific company I would like to work for, but I would love to join a company in England or America. As long as the company has the right feel to it, I don’t mind where I end up.

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

My favourite moment in my training would definitely be when I got accepted into my first youth company, Ballet Theatre of Queensland. It was the moment I realised that all my hard work had finally paid off. The memories and friendships I made in that experience, will be with me for the rest of my life.

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

The dancer I have always looked up to since I was very young is Darcy Bussell. She is down to earth and so stunning to watch. I aspire to be like her when I’m older

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

My previous ballet teacher taught me the importance of putting myself in a bubble whether I was at a competition or audition. This would help me focus on myself and not the people around me. I often got nervous in auditions when I was younger and putting myself in a bubble made me a lot more confident and calm.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love classic tutu’s however I have always wanted to dance in a romantic tutu, as they are so beautiful.

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

In my free time I love to relax and just watch my favourite shows on Netflix. I also love FaceTiming my family and friends.