Month: September 2020

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Kyralee Matthewson

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Kyralee Matthewson some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Kyralee is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion and dedication for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing at four years old!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently training as a pre professional at Victorian State Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I went en pointe when I was thirteen.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear the Athena Energetiks pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started in ballet when I was four, but only started getting serious in the genre when I transferred from Studio D Dance School to Boyd Dance Academy.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Personally, I love the Clara variation and the Kitris Entrance!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to stay at Victorian State Ballet and become apart of their company when I’m much older!

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

For me, the first time I stepped into the Victorian State Ballet studios was the most incredible moment for me. I knew I was home from that first moment!!

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

I love watching Alana Puddy, Elise Jacques and Janae Kerr from Victorian State Ballet. And in general Amy Harris has always inspired me from a young age.

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

From Tracey Boyd, she once told me that you can have incredible flexibility, bendy feet and win every competition, but the most important thing is that you love to dance and have feeling behind every movement!

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Everything happens for a reason, as one door shuts another one always opens.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The amazing performing opportunities! I love love love to perform!!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The stress! Around performance time, it can be very stressful but in the end it always works out.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yes actually! When I was 10 I had lost my love for ballet and dance in general. But eventually for various reasons I found that love for it again, and really I owe that to Tracey Boyd and Michelle Sierra! Both teachers I’ve had/have!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both, but classical tutus are so stunning!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Heaps! I’ve suffered two broken arms (same arm!), to major concussions, a bruised hip bone, three broken toes, a broken metatarsal, broken nose, split chin, torn tendon in the foot and inflamed bursa in the hip. (only one of these is due to dancing, I’m a bit clumsy😂)

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I fill most of my time with schoolwork, but I also love to read, choreograph, exercise and write!

Q&A With American Ballerina Ava Tselios

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I was about 5 years old!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

The Hanover Theatre Conservatory in Worcester Massachusetts!

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I just started my second year!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Nikolay 3007 Pros!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom was a ballet dancer, and when I was little I loved to dance, so my mom signed me up and I fell in love!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love so many, but my favorite is probably Nikiyas Death variation from La Bayadere!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

ABT, Paris Opera, Or Boston Ballet

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

Probably Boston Ballet Summer Intensive, or YAGP!

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

Definitely Ever Larson, Maria Khoreva, and Isabella Boylston!

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

Probably to have more confidence in myself and don’t give up. I know that that is really simple but it makes me feel really inspired to work harder!

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Don’t give up and work hard! It will be worth it one day!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Definitely the memories and the work you put in!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Dealing with all of the doubt and hardships we go through like injuries and negative thoughts.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yes, actually but I always think about it and realize how much fun and passion I have for it, and how I have great friends that I spend almost everyday with doing what we love.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Super hard question! I love both but I would have to go with Romantic.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, but last year my knee would always hurt, and I needed to take physical therapy!!

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like working on corrections I and hanging out with friends!

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Amy Ronnfeldt

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I recently had the chance to ask Amy Ronnfeldt some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Amy is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with poise and beauty. Her dedication and passion for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

The Australian Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Since I was 11 (6 years)

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Sonata

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum signed me up as an activity to release all my childhood energy, as she thought it would be fun. She was right.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Giselle (Act 1) is my favourite variation, as I love the storyline, the character’s innocent and playful personality and her delicate and sweet quality.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company would be an absolute honour and privilege to work for, but I would love to dance with The Australian Ballet.

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

Some of my favourite ballet memories, include performing as Ariel in The Little Mermaid with Ballet Theatre of Queensland (BTQ) and performing in the Alana Haines Awards. Dancing on stage fills me with such joy and is a truly magical experience like no other.

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

My ultimate ballet role model is Marianela Nunez, principal of The Royal Ballet. I love her exciting and engaging use of dynamics, her precise attention to details and technique, and the pure passion she displays.

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

A lovely quote that a teacher once told me, was to ‘sing with your body’.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Try to think less when you’re dancing and switch off your negative internal voice, so you can be free and just move the way it feels comfortable and natural.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The morals that you develop, like discipline, determination, patience and resilience. Also, it is such a fun and interesting process to become a completely different character and immerse yourself in very contrasting roles.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Having to make significant sacrifices, like moving away from home, family and friends, and missing normal childhood milestones. However, these sacrifices are worth it, and there are many things that ballet dancers get the chance to do that most people will never get.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Every ballet dancer and person in general, goes through phases where they will doubt their decisions and career paths. However, going through these phases and coming out the other side, often strengthens and reignites passion, reminding people why they love what they do.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both in their own special ways. Classical tutus are so beautiful and traditional, whereas Romantic tutus are more expressive and free-flowing.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I am very lucky to have never suffered a serious injury so far. I have had minor irritations around the ankle area, but nothing too painful.

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to go for walks and adventures outside, listen to music, bake, workout, play games and watch movies with friends and family and go for a swim in the beach.

Q&A With American Ballerina Isabella McCool

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I had the chance recently to ask Isabella McCool some questions about her journey so far as a ballerina. Isabella is a phenomenal dancer. She graces the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started Ballet at the age of 3 and have been dancing 10 years

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

St Lucie Ballet , The Pre-Professional Division

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I went en pointe when I turned 9 so 4 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Suffolk Solo Prequal

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom says that when I turned 3 I said to her “ it is time for me to start dance lessons” and she choose a classical ballet school. The rest is history.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love all the variations but right not I am loving Coppelia

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Royal Ballet or Birmingham Royal Ballet

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

My two favorite memories are going to YAGP a and doing my first Pas De Deux with my partner @danielfordance and winning first place and being invited to the N.Y. Finals and competing at World Ballet Competition and me and my Best Friend literally tied for second place (what is amazing is that their scores are like three digits out)

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

Dance is so hard each day and so many people inspire me but my Role Models are people I know like my Pas Partner @danielfordance who started late with his training , took risks to get the right training and fights every day to get better and stronger.

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

Trust in your technique and dance with your heart

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Worry less what people Think and worry more on letting go and dance from the soul. Get your middle splits!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I love that the progress you make is totally up to you. I love how challenging it is. I love that you get to be so many different characters

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

It is a totally a roller coaster…there are amazing days when you can get everything and your placement is amazing and then there are days where you struggle. There is so much competition and jealousy. It is hard to stay positive everyday but you have to. I just try to help anyone I can and my mom always tells me stay silent and let your work speak for you.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Never!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic or Bell TUTU

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No …KNOCK on wood

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Watch Netflix, making YouTube videos with my Pas Partner (Balletfor2) , shopping and I have a new puppy!

Q&A With American Ballerina Elden Brady

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Elden Brady some questions about her experiences as a ballerina. Elden is a wonderful dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible elegance and poise. Her passion for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 10 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at Campaneria Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Nikolay 3007 pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I didn’t really have a sport to do so I was trying out a lot of different things, then I tried ballet and fell in love

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation switches a lot, but right now I love watching all variations from Le Corsaire

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’m not sure what company I would like to go to yet, because I am still figuring out my favorite styles of ballet and where I want to be in a few years.

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

After Nutcracker 2019 when my dance teacher, Wei told me he is proud and to keep working hard.

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

Sydney Dolan inspires me. she is an amazing dancer but very kind and encouraging at the same time

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

Always watch other dancers in rehearsal. that’s one of the best ways to learn.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Don’t take any classes or moments with teachers for granted

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I love how there is always something to work on because if ballet was easy it would be so boring!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Being mentally tough is one of the hardest parts of ballet for me. it’s hard not to compare your journey to someone elses’

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Honestly, i never have really had that thought. I wouldn’t trade my life with a normal teenager because I love ballet and i know I’m lucky to be able to do it every day

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankfully, i have never had any serious injuries

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to cook and bake, as well as hanging out with my friends

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Emily Mccracken

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I had the chance recently to ask Emily Mccracken some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She’s an incredible dancer who takes to the stage with phenomenal poise and elegance. Her dedication to ballet is outstanding. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently in my graduate year at The Australian Ballet school.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe since I was 12

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch serenade shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved in ballet because my sister started ballet and I wanted to do it with her.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Gamzatti.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to be able to work for The Australian Ballet or The Royal Danish Ballet.

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

My favourite memory would be performing George Balanchine’s ‘Who Cares?’ because it was so exhilarating and fun.

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

Nikisha Fogo and Marianela Nunez are probably the most inspiring role models for me.

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

The best advice I received was when something goes wrong while your dancing, just move on and pretend it never happened, that way you don’t keep thinking about it

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Advice I would have given my younger self would be to stop thinking that you have to have a particular body type to be a ballerina. If only I knew how diverse ballerinas bodies were now, I could have spared myself of those negative thoughts.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is the way you can tell stories and share emotion with the audience.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is having to always be ‘perfect’ when in actual fact you can’t be perfect all the time and there will be off days when some things just don’t work.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

I’m a naturally driven person so I’ve always been focused on trying to find a career in this profession but during COVID-19 it’s been hard to find that motivation when you see dancers all over the world not being able to perform. But it won’t be for forever and once we can perform I think it’s going to be even more special for us dancers.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both romantic and classical tutus but I think I really love the way the romantic tutu floats around when you dance. It just creates this ethereal feeling that is so beautiful.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I did have an injury. I had a very small tear in my right knee meniscus which the doctors said wouldn’t heal on it’s own, so I still have it. I was given a really good rehabilitation program that I do almost everyday which helps keep the pain away.

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my spare time I love to hike and go on walks. I also like playing the piano, doing puzzles and choreographing.

Q&A With American Ballerina Emery Pierce

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I had the chance recently to ask Emery Pierce some questions about her journey as a ballerina. She is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was three years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Hinsdale Dance Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got involved because of my older sister. I would watch her in class and I fell in love to ballet and my mom decided to put me in some classes and I have been dancing ever since.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is act 1 Giselle.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to go to The Dutch National or New York City Ballet.

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

My favorite memory in ballet is when I first performed as Clara in The Nutcraker. It was my dream role when I was little so being able to perform it was amazing.

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

One of my role models is Isabella Boylston. She is such a beautiful dancer and she seems so kind.

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

Always remember that you have something special that no one else has.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

 Take care of your body, and don’t get down on yourself and think positively.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is being able to expresses yourself through art and being able to create.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina are injury’s. Your career is put on hold and you feel stuck and frustrated because you are not able to do anything. I also think comparison is very difficult you are always comparing yourself to other and it can be mentally draining

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

There are days that are harder than others, many days before dance I would think to myself that I want to stay home, but I would never change anything.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have had an ankle injury that still sometimes affects me. Luckily it wasn’t to serious where I had to sit out of dance for too long but it was very frustrating.

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I am not dancing I love to bake and hang out with friends.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Ella Schnidler

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I recently had the chance to ask Ella Schnidler some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Ella is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and beauty. Her love of ballet is infectious and outstanding. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at National College of Dance

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear energetic’s Stella

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My best friend invited me to come to dance with her for fun and it snowballed from there

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Black swan is my favourite variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Stuttgart or Paris opera

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

My favourite moment was when I won the Sydney eisteddfod 14 years classical ballet section

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

Marianela Nunz and Rudolf Nerayv

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

“Dance from your heart”

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

“You have a gift for dance it’s time to use it “

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is you can dance from your heart and the feeling of freedom and rush of joy that dancing brings

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is finding confidence to dance from your heart and find to find joy in tiring repetitive practice

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yes when I had 3 months of dancing from an injury but dance is in my blood it is part of who I am and I have a fight like nothing else to follow my dream

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes I have had a serious knee injury

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to find a new adventure go explore the world I would always be outside I also love gardening and archery

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Lola Achurra

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I recently had the chance to ask Lola Achurra some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Lola is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise, elegance and grace. Her passion and dedication for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Rhythm Edge Dance Studios and Claudia Dean Coaching

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

2 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Energetics Saphire

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was little I just kept asking mum if I could go dancing

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Blue Bird

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Queensland Ballet

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

Getting a 91 for my ballet exam

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

Claudia Dean and Dusty Button

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

Focus on yourself

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

If people tell you that you can’t believe in yourself because you can

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The challenges and learning to love yourself

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Staying focused on what you want

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yes definitely

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No not yet

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Shop and watch Netflix

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Keera McLaren

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I recently had the chance to ask Keera some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Keera is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and beauty. Her dedication and love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I was 9 years old when I started ballet

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Charlesworth Ballet Institute

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko 2007’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved into ballet because I saw the tv show dance academy, and it inspired me to become a dancer.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t have a favourite variation because I love them all, but I’m currently working on aurora act III

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would honestly love to work for any company as each company is so different

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

My favourite memory was my first ever performance with the charlesworth ballet institute and I remember how nervous yet excited I was to perform onstage with all my friends in Don Quixote.

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

My ballet role models are probably Marianela Núñez and Skylar Brandt

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

To turn your nerves into excitement when stepping onto the stage.

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

It takes a lot of hard work, and it doesn’t get any easier but you are strong and you will manage.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing onstage with the pretty costumes

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is probably training 24/7.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yeah I definitely had days where I thought I should quit but I thought about that first ever time I performed onstage and how happy it made me feel.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I’ve had a couple stress fractures in my feet and a pulled sciatic nerve. Other than that nothing too serious.

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

Baking and hanging out with my friends.