I recently had the opportunity to ask Tessa Bertino some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Tessa is an incredible dancer, she dances with great poise, beauty and elegance. The joy and happiness she has while dancing is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet about seven years ago.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at South Shore Ballet Theatre.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Russian Pointe Rubans

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first fell in love with ballet at a young age. My mom got me ballets on DVD and I knew that’s what I wanted to do

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation would have to be the Gisele variation from act one

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is American Ballet Theatre.

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

My favorite moment from doing ballet has to be when I performed at YAGP finals with my friends.

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

My ballet role model has to be Misty Copeland. She is an inspiration to me because she started really late and I knew that if she could do it I could do it and be able to catch up to be as good as the people my age who started ballet really young.

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

The best advice from a teacher I got was that ballet is 10 percent dedication and 90 percent hard work.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu definitely

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

I like to be outside doing activities like biking, swimming, going to the beach. Some others are reading, cooking, watching movies and Netflix.