I recently had the chance to ask Mary Agnes Sistino some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Mary is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was about three, but I actually started training when i was 7.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Hinsdale Dance Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for over a year now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear gaynor minden pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with ballet when my older sister was taking ballet classes, and I just fell in love watching it so I begged my mom to put me in class

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite varation is the lilac fairy from sleeping beauty

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Atlanta Ballet

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

One of my favorite earlier memories in ballet was when I was younger my sister and I would dance to the nutcracker for our parents ever Christmas. Also when I got my first pair of pointe shoes.

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

Misty Copeland inspires me also Shelby Willams because  they both embrace their differences and how ballet requires hard work

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

The best advice I received from a teacher was to work hard. He said that that simple statement could take me really far not only in ballet but in life.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classic tutus!

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

When I’m not dancing I’m usually spending time with family or friends, but other activities I do is like to do yoga,tennis and I love to run.