I had the opportunity recently to ask Gillian Carr some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Gillian graces the stage with poise and elegance, her dedication and passion for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at a local competition studio at age 4.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at BalletMet Dance Academy in Columbus Ohio. I take jazz, tap, character, and modern, in addition to my ballet and pointe classes.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 5 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I have worn Bloch pointe shoes for a while now. I love my Bloch Axioms! They have been great every time.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started dance at age 4 at a local competition studio. My parents put me in dance because I was always dancing around the house in my sisters old costumes. At age 7, I told my parent that Ballet was my favorite style and that I wanted to be a professional ballerina. Then I started dancing at BalletMet to have more focused ballet training!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

This is a really hard question, as there is so many I love! It would be a dream to do Flames of Paris or anything Balanchine! ❤️

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Honestly I would love to work as a professional ballerina at any company. My favorite companies include Houston Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, as well as BalletMet!

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

One of my most cherished ballet memories was when I was selected as Young Clara in The Nutcracker. My second year as Clara, I was asked to travel to Detroit with the company, which was such a valuable experience.

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

One of my biggest role models is BalletMet company dancer, Caitlin Valentine-Ellis. She is such a stunning artist, as well as a genuine and humble person. I love meeting with her and talking about everything dance! I would also have to say that all the BalletMet company dancers are such big inspirations to me, and it’s so special seeing them work in the studios.

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

“If you have two wolves, a positive and negative one, the one that will win is the one you feed.”

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both, I can’t pick! 💞

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

In my free time I love to take pictures, and spend time with my sister. We love making fun recipes together such as, avocado chocolate mousse, and protein bites! yum!