I had the opportunity recently to ask Amara McHugh some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Amara is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace. Her passion and dedication for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Around 5. But never really got into it and took it seriously until I was about 13/14.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

At the Australian Conservatoire of Ballet in Melbourne.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

In pointe for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear energetiks, but have only been wearing them since last November. I used to wear Gaynor Minden previously.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum is a teacher and ex-dancer so naturally she put me in it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

omigod I love them all-so hard to pick. But my favs are: Marguerite and Armand, Juliet (R&J) And the Sylvia variation too. I could go on hahaha

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Love to be in Vienna State ballet (Wiener Staatsballett) or Boston Ballet

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

Not yet really

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

I love Sylvia Guillem. But also Lucia Lacarra, David Hallberg, and Misa Kuranaga

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

“just get back up”. And do it for you, no one else but yourself.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

This is a hard one because I love the romantic era but so many great ballets use a classical tutu. But probably the classical tutu.

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

So many things haha. I cook, hike, and read. Love testing out new recipes and experimenting with new flavours. I also love the science behind nutrition and how it benefits the body. Food is definitely a big passion of mine. Plus I really enjoy love getting outdoors and just exploring.