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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was four years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently, I am dancing at Skyra Studios.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for five years!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes. I love wearing them because they are so comfortable and supportive!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started ballet because I would always tag along to my little brother’s physical, speech & occupational therapy appointments. We had them every day. The therapist told my mom that I needed something to do so I would not have to sit in a doctors office for hours on end. The therapist told my mom that I needed something to do so I would not have to sit in a doctors office for hours on end. There was a dance studio a few doors down from the office, so my mom recruited enough little girls to start a ballet class. I fell in love with ballet. As I got older, my passion grew! I guess my mom never knew I would take it so seriously!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many beautiful variations! But, I think my favorite would be Swanilda act 1 from Coppélia! It holds a special place in my heart because it pushed me to find the dancer that I was inside. I love the movement and the story! I love to jump and want to try the Laurencia variation next year. It is so stunning and strong!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

At this point, I don’t have a specific company that I would like to work for. I want to keep my options open! As long as I am dancing, I am happy!

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

My favorite memory is from this year took place in St. Petersburg, FL. Before I went on stage to perform my Swanilda variation at ADC IBC, I told my Coach, Mrs. Katia (Katia Garza) that I was going to go for it and do a huge manèage, huge jumps and have fun! I was so happy with my performance and I am so glad that I went for it! After I was finished, Mrs. Katia gave me a big hug and told me how proud she was of me! I am so lucky to have such an amazing coach!

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

There are so many great dancers out there! Mrs. Katia has been a huge inspiration to me because she is amazing! She is an incredible jumper, turner, and dancer and she helped me to find out strengths I never knew I had! I love watching Michaela DePrince, as well as Natalia Osipova because they are so strong! I love their commanding presence.

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

One of the best pieces of advice given to me is from Mrs. Katia (Garza). She told me to always go for whatever I am going to do and to never hold back! She gave me this quote, ”Do not believe what your eyes tell you. All they show is limitations. Look with your understanding, find out what you already know and you’ll see the way to fly!” I love what it says and I am forever grateful for all that she has done for me!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both classical and romantic tutus! I love how pretty and elegant both of them look! Tutus are great to show off lovely lines and feet but I love turning and jumping in romantic tutus because they look stunning!

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

When I am not dancing, I love spending time with my family and friends! Since I dance a lot, I try to save my free time for my mom, dad, brother, and dog! I love to bake and create art! I also have a slight obsession with cleaning and organizing my room! I find it to be satisfying and relaxing! I try to find the balance between ballet and normal life. But, I love to dance and could not be happier! I am so blessed and grateful to be able to dance!