I recently had the chance to ask Anna Turkington some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Anna is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise, strength and beauty. Her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her answers.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

This past year was my second full year of professional ballet training. I did various forms of dancing beforehand (i.e acro, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, musical theatre, tap, lyrical, music classes, and singing)

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently attending The Rock School For Dance Education (@rockschooldance)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for nearly two years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

The pointe shoes I am currently wearing are the “Bloch Eurostretches”. I love them!!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I had first got involved in the world of ballet by testing out a summer intensive in the year of 2016. At first, I hated it!! But after a week, I fell in absolute love with it! From that pointe (haha, POINTE!!) forward, I knew that ballet was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

To be honest, I love all variations in their own unique way. I love Paquita variations for their fun style/sass. I love Tripod variation for its speed and musicality. I love Diana and Actaeon for its challenges and Esmeralda for its style and footwork! This list could go forever!!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t have a particular preference in companies just yet, but I do love ABT and The National Ballet of Canada. All companies are great in their own ways, but it mainly depends on which companies accept me when the time comes!

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

Every moment in ballet is special to me!

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

All professional ballerinas give me inspiration to do what I do. They all seem to amaze me, and are all incredibly talented! Tyler Peck and Iana Salenko are two of my favourites, if I had to choose. But really, I love all professional ballerinas in their own unique ways.

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

The best advice I have received from a teacher would be to lift out of your spine and root your feet! I know that is a correction rather than a word of advice, but it really really helps.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Hmm, that’s a tough one… My answer would have to be both! Both classical and romantic tutus are great. They both supply a dancer a different feeling/style.

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

When I am not dancing, I am mainly doing homework tbh! But if I’m not dancing, or doing schoolwork, or sleeping, or eating, I LOVE going for walks, taking artsy pictures, creating neat recipes, art, FISHINGGGG, making furniture out of fallen trees, winning board games (I am very competitive…), boating, SHOPPING OMG, and hanging with friends. Safe to say, I like a lot of things!!