I had the chance recently to ask Tessa Cockerton-Holmes some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Tessa is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with elegance and poise, her love and passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 9

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Chilton dance academy in Wellington and I am a local scholar and an associates with the New Zealand school of dance !

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

3 years now!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Well I currently don’t have a favourite because I still haven’t found my perfect shoe yet… but I am wearing @capezio cambre and soon I will be trying a repetto shoe

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My sister started dancing and she just said it was really fun so I decided to do it as well!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Gamzati 😍

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would be so grateful to get into any company but one I really love is the royal ballet 😍😍😍

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

Earlier this year I won the South Island ballet awards and it was such an amazing moment dancing on the Isaac theatre stage 🌟

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

Dusty Botton, Steven McRae basically all professional ballet dancers because that is what I aspire to be when I am older ✨

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

That’s so tricky! I would have to say when dancing the technique has to be there but it is more about how you present yourself, where you place you arms and the expression through your body and face

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical, but they are both so beautiful 😍

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

Relax, go for walks with my family, hang out with friends