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.