I had the chance recently to ask Victoia Wardell some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Victoria is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage wtih real poise and grace, her passion and love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Technically, I began dancing when I was six, but I didn’t start focusing or working hard at ballet until I was about eleven. Before that, ballet was really just something I did for fun after school.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at The School of Cadence Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was twelve, so five years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko Maya’s and I absolutely love them.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

By always dancing down the sidewalk even before the age of two, causing my mother to decide to put me in dance classes 😉

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There’s so many to choose from! Although I would have to say that I absolutely love Raymonda, the dream variation in act 2.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Teatro alla Scala is my dream company.

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

I have so many it’s hard to choose. Probably the feeling after New York finals at YAGP, just because afterwards I came off the stage and I was shaking from emotion, I was so into the character and I really just danced for myself, not for anyone else. It had been awhile since I felt that.

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

Marianela Nunez as well as Evgenia Obraztsova are two of my favourites, but honestly there are so many gorgeous dancers out there, and they are all inspiring in different ways.

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

“Don’t worry about the fact that you have to do the turns, before you actually do the turns, just do them and then work with what you have.” Although this particular quote applies to turns, I have taken it with me into every step. I often over think things to the point that I mess them up just because I’m thinking so hard about doing it right, so this really helps me get past that.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Honestly, I like both. Romantic tutus have a softer look and are often more peasant related, whereas classical tutus are often princess like and delicate but in a very different way then romantic tutus, so I like them both for different reasons.

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

I love reading and talking with friends. But most of my spare time I spend with Katie, my adorable 8 year old sister.