I had the chance recently to ask Hana Nonaka A some questions are her journey as a ballerina. Hana is an amazing dancer, she dances with poise and grace, her dedication and passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Instagram: daintydancer4649

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

At The dance company Brisbane @thedancecompanybrisbane

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I first went on pointe when I was 9 but I only did a very minimal amount and gradually I built up my strength

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Energetics; Sapir (equivalent to Russian pointe brand)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My Mum saw a girl walking down the street in a pink tutu and Mum thought it was a Halloween costume but when she commented “I love her costume” the mother said she just came from a ballet and then she entered me to my first ballet class!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t have a favourite but some of my top ones are: 3rd shade, Pas de trois (swan lake), medora variation, kitri act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’m still thinking about that since there are so many AMAZING companies out there!

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

I don’t have one! Haha but I will keep working until I get one

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

Marianela Nuñez, May Nagahisa, Bianca Scudamore, Svetlana Zakharova and there are many more but these are my top ones

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

Mmmm that’s hard…. I think it might be “The ballet world is harsh, it’s competitive, at times mean and It causes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But if you keep working when no ones watching you can become something no one thought you could”

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

ooooh I think I like the classical tutu

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

I love doing girly things like shopping, experimenting with makeup but I love watching YouTube videos and Netflix and I also enjoy meditation 🧘‍♀️