I had the chance recently to ask Ryley Boardman some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Ryley is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace. Her dedication and passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet in 2005 but found a passion for it in 2014,

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Queensland National Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe in 2014

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko 2007 pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mother introduced me to ballet at a young age.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Maurice Bejarts’ “Bhakti”

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for HET National Ballet or Staats Ballet Berlin.

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

My favourite memory so far is when I first started ballet at QLD national ballet as I was very new to the syllabus and it’s good for me to see how far I have come since I started.

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

I look up to Natalia Osipova and Petra Conti, they are both very different and they both push themselves so hard and are not afraid to be themselves.

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

Best advice I have received, is if you make a mistake, always finish every position and use the next sequence as a new start and pretend like it didn’t even happen.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer classical tutus

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

When I have spare time I like to cook for my family or create a new sewing project creating clothes out of recycled pieces.