I recently had the opportunity to ask Delaney some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Delaney is a fantastic dancer, she’s a dancer who has incredible grace and her passion and dedication to ballet is outstanding. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 11

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Hudson Conservatory of Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Almost 2 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch and Russian Pointe

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I knew someone who was doing it and I thought it would be so fun!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Either Harlequinade or Coppelia 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Houston Ballet or Royal Ballet School

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

My favorite memory is getting into the Houston Ballet Summer intensive!

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

Misty Copeland and Claudia Dean

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

To train a lot but also be a kid and have fun!

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

Start dancing earlier

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I love the challenge of always having more to learn!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

It’s a lot of mental and physical strain

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”?

One of the best things about starting late is that it prevented burnout

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No serious injuries but I did suffer a hairline stress fracture in my tibia

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

I love playing with my dogs or hanging out with friends!