I had the opportunity recently to ask Sophie Poulain some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Sophie is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace and dances so elegantly. Her dedication for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was three years old but I only started taking it seriously about 1.5 – 2 years ago!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently don’t belong to any studio or school. My coach Jane Wooding (formerly of Canada’s National Ballet School) coaches me privately 6 days a week.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe when I was 13 so 3 years ago!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Bravas (and love them!!)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

It sounds cheesy but when I was younger I ADORED ballet and I basically lived in a pink leotard and ballet shoes haha! I started taking classes and I’ve been hooked ever since!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t think I have one specific variation that sticks out but right now I really love a few variations from Raymonda; they’re technically demanding but also extremely artistically demanding which makes them wonderful to work on ❤️

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

The Paris Opera Ballet is definitely my dream company! Another big one would be the Mariinsky Theatre. I really love the repertoire of both of those companies right now and they both have such a rich history! I think that gives them a certain character that you don’t get with newer American companies.

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

I was lucky enough to compete at YAGP finals this year in New York this year and it was definitely unforgettable! It was great to take classes with teachers from all over the world and also to meet so many other dancers who share a common goal!

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

Olga Smirnova is a huge inspiration! I love everything she does and I really look up to her as an artist.

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

One of my teachers told me, before going into an audition pick 5 things that you feel confident about (whether it’s your turns or your feet or your ballon) and focus on those 5 things instead of focusing on what you think you can’t do or that you aren’t as good at.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Depends on what I’m dancing haha!!

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

I don’t have a ton of free time outside of school and dance but I love playing piano and cooking! I’m a pretty creative person so really anything that I can be creative with, I like doing!