I recently had the opportunity to ask Emma Mortimer some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Emma is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and gtace, 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 5 doing 1 class a week, and I got into ballet seriously around age 14

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am lucky enough to dance at New Zealand School of Dance

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Since I was about 12

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Synergy

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My older sister did ballet so I had to come along to dance classes anyway, and I ended up loving it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love any of Aurora’s variations because the music is so beautiful, but I also love Kitri’s strong solos

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Royal Ballet is the dream of course but I would love to either work somewhere in Australia like Queensland Ballet or West Australian Ballet, or anywhere in Europe

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

I love the feeling of performing variations, because you work so hard on them and you can deliver them well on stage. Finishing a performance and knowing you’ve done it well is a nice moment

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

Marianela Nuñez is my all time favourite ballerina that inspires me, but I am also inspired by the people in the years above me at school and people who have been accepted into companies because they show that it is possible to get where you want to be

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

Dance as big as possible, you want to fill up the room so it is only you in it, use your plié and also be a smart dancer as well as a good dancer

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical always

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

I love hanging out with my friends, reading books and exploring the city