I recently had the opportunity to ask Karen Chambers some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Karen is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and elegance. Her dedication and love for ballet is infectious. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

My mom started teaching me about dance when I was only three or four, but I started taking ballet more seriously when I was seven.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I have been at the John Cranko School in Stuttgart, Germany for the past three years.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe when I was ten.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Currently I am wearing Russian Pointe, style:Rubin.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I saw a performance of my city’s “The Nutcracker” and from that moment I fell in love with ballet.😊

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That’s very hard, but I would have to say Giselle’s Act 1 variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is Dutch National Ballet, but I would also love working at American Ballet Theatre or San Francisco Ballet.

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

I have always loved the moments right before a show starts, when everyone is practicing behind the curtains and you can hear the audience talking and getting into their seats. It always makes me even more excited to perform.

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

Maria Kochetkova is one of my favorite dancers. She inspires me because even though she is actually very small, she can take up the whole stage and stand out for audience.

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

One of my very first ballet teachers told me that when I perform, I should always think about dancing for the little girl in the back row. I always think of that when I’m on stage.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic.😊

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

Oh yes, I’m usually hanging out with my friends, reading, or stretching while I watch Netflix😂