I had the opportunity recently to ask Maggie Whyte some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Maggie is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible grace and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Two and a half years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently a trainee at Ballet West

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Going on 10 years- I start pointe fairly young

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk solo hard shank, but I 3/4 them

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me in ballet as one of many activities to try and it stuck right away

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Paquita Wedding has a special place in my heart, but I honestly just love doing variations and couldn’t pick an all time favorite

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

It would be amazing to be with Ballet West or Dutch National in the future

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

I don’t think I have a single favorite moment in ballet, but rather there are so many moments- good and bad- that have shaped me into the dancer I am and I wouldn’t change any of them.

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

Emily Adams at Ballet West is a personal idol and mentor of mine. She has been so amazing to get to know and being able to talk personally with one of my role models is a great honor. She is tall and gorgeous, yet can move in every way at any speed and that is something I’m trying to work towards. I’m also in love with Sylvie Guillem.. I mean how could you not be!

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

One of the best things I’ve learned in this career is:

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have- Natural ability only takes you part of the way, the rest comes from not only working hard, but working hard, and have the heart to go for it. You’re only going to make it in this art form if you do it all and work with what you have to the best of your abilities.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Probably classical, I like seeing how the legs are working

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

I love reading, music, hiking, brunch is always a good idea, and being with the people who love and support me every step of the way!