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.