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!