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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 6 years old, but I didn’t really start taking ballet seriously until I was 16. (I’m 17 now)

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at H/W School of Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe when I was 12 years old.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freeds. I am currently just getting trials and seeing what I like and don’t like.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My twin sister has always loved ballet. So I started ballet because of her!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the Nikiya death scene variation or Diana acteon variation. Q7: I honestly don’t even know! There’s so many companies that I would love to be in!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t really have a specific favourite memory. I just love the feeling when I get to be on stage doing what I love.

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

I have so many role models. Some include: Isabella Boylston, Darcy Bussell, Sara Mearns, Sarah Lamb, Tyler Peck and obviously Svetlana Zakharova. But honestly I am inspired by everyone around me day to day rather it’s my peers or teachers they always keep me going and wanting to work harder than I did the day before!

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

I have so many role models. Some include: Isabella Boylston, Darcy Bussell, Sara Mearns, Sarah Lamb, Tyler Peck and obviously Svetlana Zakharova. But honestly I am inspired by everyone around me day to day rather it’s my peers or teachers they always keep me going and wanting to work harder than I did the day before!

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

The best advice I ever got from a teacher was to just be yourself when you’re dancing. It made dancing so much more fun and enjoyable for me when I starting really expressing who I was while I was dancing.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic!

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

I honestly don’t have a lot of free time when I’m not dancing or doing homework, but if I do I usually like to spend time with my friends and family.