I recently had the opportunity to ask Mackenzie Coombe some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Mackenzie is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with real poise and beauty. Her passion and dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 6 years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently I dance at a small studio in Far North Queensland. Approximately 2-4 hours per day five days a week

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe three years ago when I was 12.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Energetiks Sapfir (I love them so much)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was an incredibly shy child so my mum decided to put me into dancing. I would sit in the corner and cry, one day mum took me to a different studio and after that the rest is history

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Where I currently live there is no opportunity to perform variations at a competition level. But I love learning variations in the studio and teaching them to myself. My favourite variations are Dulcinea and Cupid from Don Quixote, Swanhilda Variation Act 1  Coppelia, Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux female variation, Swan Lake Odile variation and many many more. These are just a few of my favourites.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any company as long as I am doing what I love. But a few of my favourites are ABT, Royal Ballet, Houston Ballet, Australian Ballet and Paris Opera.

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

Honestly my favourite moment in ballet is when I able to perform on stage and in front of audiences. I love to express myself and my love of dance to others and performing is one of my favourite ways to do that.

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

My ballet roles models are Misty Copeland as she shows you don’t have to fit the typical ballet mold to achieve a high standard in dance. Marianela Núñez and Michaela DePrince are also role models for me. Mia Michaels is a massive contemporary and choreographic inspiration as she can express her love of dance through her choreography and the movement of others.

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

The best advice I have received from a teacher is to keep your own goals in sight and to not be influenced by what others are doing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

A classical tutu especially when it is handmade with love by my amazing mum

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

I like to sing, choreograph and study maths and chemistry.