Ballet

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Keera McLaren

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.

Categories: Ballet

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