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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was about 4 but I only took it seriously from the age of 12.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Tring Park School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 4-5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch aspiration pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got seriously involved in ballet when I started the Royal Ballet associate program at the age of 12

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Ah I can’t choose but I really love variations from Don Quixote as they are so full of character and energy.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Royal Ballet, ENB or Mathew Bourne’s New Adventures

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

I have lots of amazing ballet memories but my favourites are performing at Sadler’s wells and attending the Royal Ballet Summer School.

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

My inspirations for ballet are Yasmine Naghdi and Steven McRae but I also massively look up to Lukas McFarlane as a dancer and a person.

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

Best advice I have ever received is just to relax and breathe as sometimes dancers think so much about being perfect and working hard that they forget the most important part….the performance.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu definitely

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

I generally don’t have a lot of free time but when I do I love swimming and reading.