I recently had the chance to ask Erin Williams some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. She is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with elegance, poise and beauty. Her dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was three years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at “Nashville Ballet”

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I went on pointe when I was eleven, so I have been on pointe for six years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed Classic Pros

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was always a theatrical little kid and so my mom put me in classes thinking it would give me a way to express myself and keep me active.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Gamzatti. I love the music and the sense of empowerment you feel when dancing this particular variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for San Francisco Ballet! The works they have been doing recently are just breathtaking. The faculty there are incredible to work with, and the facility is beautiful which is just icing on the cake.

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

My favorite moment in ballet was when I first performed as a second company member with Nashville Ballet. They were putting on “The Sleeping Beauty” and I was able to dance several corps de ballet roles. It was so validating and incredible knowing that all my hard work had lead to that turning point in my career.

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

Lauren Cuthbertson is my dance role model. Seeing her in the 2012 cinema showing of Royal Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet” is what made me realize that I wanted to be a professional dancer. She brings the perfect balance of femininity and grit to every role she dances, and it is something so magical you just can’t take your eyes off of her.

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

The best advice I ever received from a teacher is “Technique is just a means to an end. We learn the rules so that we can break the rules.” It has stuck with me even years after it was said to me. It was meant to teach us that once we were older and becoming more artistic we would be allowed to move more fluidly and that having the technical base can allow us to do that well.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

ROMANTIC! I love romantic tutus. I think they move so beautifully on stage.

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

I love to indoor rock climb. It is something that I can do that cross trains but is also thrilling and enjoyable. And my guilty pleasure is that I am a board game nerd! I love playing scrabble, monopoly, trivia, etc. with my friends and family.