I had the chance to ask Annika Bergofin some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Annika is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her passion and dedication for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 8

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at Miami City Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed classic pro 90’s or classic pros

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was 8 my mom took ballet classes at a small local dance studio. After seeing me dance around the hallways of the studio my mom’s ballet teacher strongly encouraged me to give Ballet a try. Very shortly after I started dancing I was cast in the Pennsylvania Ballet’s Nutcracker and the rest is history!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

(It’s hard to pick just one variation!) My top two favorite variations to dance are probably blue bird and stars and stripes but I also love Aurora’s variation from sleeping beauty and odalisques from Le Corsaire.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are so so many companies I would love to be a part of but Miami City Ballet and English national ballet are two!

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

My favorite moment was the first time I performed at the Metropolitan Opera House with ABT en pointe. It was also the first time I got to bow at the end of the show with the company. It is a very special moment for me that I will cherish and remember forever.

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

Some of the dancers who have inspired me the most are Isabella Boylston, Cassandra Trenary, and Lauren Fadeley.

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher is basically to believe in yourself. A lot of times in dance the thing holding you back the most is your own thoughts. When you are struggling with a a step it is often much more mental then you would think. As soon as you get rid of whatever mental block you might have had and tell yourself you can do it you will start to see improvement much more quickly then before.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu!

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

Although I am always dancing, when I do have free time I like to spend it with my friends and family. I enjoy going to the beach, I enjoy walking and hiking, I enjoy skiing if I am on vacation (although it’s been a while since I last skied), and I also enjoy baking.