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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 5 in a private school in my country.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at the ‘Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg’.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started doing pointe shoes when I was 9 years old. So I’ve been on pointe for over 8 years already.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am in love with my ‘Gaynor Minden’ pointeshoes! I’ve tried so many different brands until I’ve stuck with Gaynor Minden.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum took me out of gymnastics because she wanted me to become a ballet dancer as she found it more elegant.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Esmeralda. But I also love more neoclassical variations as for example in Forsyths ‘In the middle of somewhat’ the variation of the ‘Relevé Girl’.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Actually I want to become a contemporary dancer so my dream is it to enter the NDT company.

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

Let me think… I’ve experienced so much in Ballet that I don’t have a favourite moment. I enjoy every day in class with my amazing friends.

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

I am a big fan of some social media ballet dancers as for example Dusty Button, Tate Mcrae, Reina Stam, Claudia Hastings, Juliet Doherty and lots more… But I’ve to admit that my ballet teacher is my main role model! She’s so amazing and I love her. I’ve learned so much from her.

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

Ohh I’ve got so many good advices but one I always keep in my mind is that even if your technique is not the best one you can be one of the greatest dancers if you express yourself. Because in the audience of a performance there are mostly people that do understand nothing of dance so they can’t tell if you do mistakes but they can tell if you enjoy dancing!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Defenitely classical tutu! Since I was a kid I always wanted to wear a tutu like that but in our dance school we don’t get that chance so often that’s why I’ve only worn a real classical tutu once for the esmeralda variation.

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

I am a passionate art student and I go to the scouts. I am also an actress and a model so I like being in front of a camera.