I recently had the chance to ask Erin Bortoluzzi some questions about her journey as a dancer and more specifically as a ballerina. Erin is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with both poise and energy, her dedication to dance is immense. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet a bit late when I was 11/12

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at The Next Step Performing Arts

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I don’t do much pointe but I first started when I was 13 so 5 years ago

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Energetics pointe shoes 🙂

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Well when I was little around 3 years old I went to a ballet class and didn’t even make it in the door because I was soo scared and shy! But I got into ballet because I really loved the elegance and strength involved and I think I suited it well also

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have no idea!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’d love to be a part of The Dream Dance Company! Or a contemporary company possibly overseas in America/Europe

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

yes I do and it’s a pretty funny one 🤣 one night I was having a ballet private for my solo with my teacher and she was really loud and yelling over the music of course and then! This man from across the road in one of the apartments opens the studio door from outside and walks in angry and annoyed because of all the noise and my teacher freaked out!! She screamed and jumped in front of me as if to protect me from the random guy hahaha

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

My ballet role models are Dusty Button, Misty Copeland and  Svetlana Zakharova. In general my other inspirations include Tate McRae, Mitch Wynter, Michael Dameski and Lex Ishimoto

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

When you come into the dance space you come in alone and when you leave you also leave alone. So when you’re dancing it’s not about trying to impress the choreographer or to get chosen as much as you want to, it’s about dancing for yourself and striving to be better and better each time you perform

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

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

I like to watch my favourite TV shows, play games, draw and do things with my friends! Oh and of course eat food!! And Play with my pets and take dance photos in my house and outside