I recently had the opportunity to ask the amazing Mara Neary, She is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with beauty, elegance and poise. Mara’s dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was little, then quit after a few years. I don’t remember why, but I started again when I was about 10 at a much better studio

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

SWDA

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 3 and a half years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Suffolk spotlights

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

At first, I was mostly interested in jazz not ballet but after performing in my first nutcracker I decided to stick with ballet and ballet became my favorite thing

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation that I’ve learned is Gamzatti

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t have my eyes set on any specific company, but I would love to be in one that has a good mix of classical and contemporary rep.

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

One day my studio was having a dress rehearsal for Giselle at the theatre. As we were in our willis costumes about to head into the second act the fog machine set off the fire alarm and we had to evacuate in our costumes and pointe shoes until the fire department came and turned the alarm off.

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

There are so many dancers that inspire me but I’ll just list a few: Tiler Peck, Angelica Generosa, Sarah Orza, and Marianela Nunez.

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

The best advice that I’ve received is to try to connect with your audience while your on stage and inspire them because that connection is what makes dance art.

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 I like to read, draw and watch Netflix.