I recently had the opportunity to ask Imogen Walters some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Imogen is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance, her passion and love for ballet is infectious, there is no doubt Imogen will be inspiring the next generation of dancers. Her determination and love for ballet is unparalleled. Watching her grow and mature as a dancer has been incredible and watching an Adelaide dancer reach her goal of gaining acceptance into Vaganova Ballet in St Petersburg has been inspiring. Below are her responses.
From St Peter’s to St Petersburg: Adelaide teenager’s dance dream begins
Q1: When did you start ballet?
I started ballet when I was 6, but I didn’t start professional full time training until I was 15
Q2: Where do you currently dance?
I am currently privately training with my teacher Valentina Pavlova, but at the end of August I am moving to St Petersburg to study at the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?
I have been en pointe for 4 years
Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?
I currently wear Gaynor Minden
Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?
I first got involved in ballet when my mum took me to ballet class to give me something to spend my energy on (I was a very hyperactive kid)
Q6: What is your favourite variation?
I have lots of variations that I like, but I love lilac fairy variation from act 3 of Sleeping beauty, as well as Odette’s Variation from swan lake, Medora from act 3 of Le Corsaire and Raymonda’s variation from the dream scene (ballet Raymonda)
Q7: What company would you love to work for?
I would love to work for any company in Russia or Europe, but my two favourites are Bolshoi and Mariinsky
Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?
My favourite moment was when I passed my exams at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and when I found out that I had been accepted into the Vaganova Ballet Academy
Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.
Dancers that inspire me are Svetlana Zakharova, Alina Somova, Diana Vishneva, Oksana Skorik, Maria Khoreva and Ana Turazishavilli (I think that’s how you spell it😂)
Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?
The best advice that I have received from a teacher is that in order to be successful, first of all you have to overcome yourself (the first hurdle is always the limits you put on yourself, mental blocks etc)
Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?
Classical, I have never worn a romantic tutu
Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?
In my free time I sew pointe shoes, watch ballet on YouTube
Categories: Ballet
A Bender Fan 