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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I strictly started ballet when I was 13, but have been dancing since I was 4.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Toledo Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 3 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Bloch European Balance.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved when I saw pictures of my mother dancing.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have two variations that I absolutely love. La Esmeralda and Satanella.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

ABT is my dream company.

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

I guess one of my favorite moments was when I reached my goal of doing 8 pirouettes on pointe.

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

Isabella Boylston and Maria Kovhetkova are my ballet role models.

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

My best advice that I’ve received is “If you fall, the ground is not far. You know you’re pushing yourself when you go for things. If you fall it’s okay, just pick yourself up and do it again.”

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer Classical tutu’s.

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

I love listening to music and dreaming of me being a principal ballet dancer on the Metropolitan Opera Stage.