I recently had the opportunity to ask Iris Nikula some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Iris is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was eight years old.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I will start at Finnish National Ballet School in august.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started using pointe shoes when I was nine or ten years old so I’ve been en pointe for about six years now.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe Rubin’s. Best pointe shoes I’ve tried so far.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My dad put me and my sisters in to a waiting list for a ballet school since we loved to dance. One day we got a pink letter which said that we were accepted. We were so excited and couldn’t wait to start ballet together. Since our first class we totally fell in love with ballet! ❤️

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

This is a hard question because I have so many! But I would say Harlequinade and Esmeralda have been my favorite so far!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I love Bolshoi and Mariinsky! Maybe some day😍

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

I have so many good memories and moments. The best ones are from stage! I remember when I danced my first variation on stage when I was twelve.  I was so happy!

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

Alina Somova and Iana Salenko😍❤️ Both are such amazing ballerinas!

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

Don’t compare yourself to other dancers.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical!❤️

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

I like to watch Netflix and go to the gym. I also love drawing!