I had the chance recently to ask Phoebe Watson some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Phoebe is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her dedication to ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started tap dancing when I was four years old and began ballet at 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Dance Institute Tauranga

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

5 years. I started pointe when I was 11

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Energetiks Bella

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I always loved dancing around the house when I was young and so my mum looked into dance schools where we lived and I joined one as soon as I was old enough

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

So many! My fave two are Gamzatti from la Bayadere and Kitris wedding

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

The Royal New Zealand Ballet is my dream company but I would be honoured to work with any!

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

Every time I work for something and then achieve it, that is the best feeling

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

Skylar Brandt, Maria Khoreva, Dusty Button and so many more

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

What you put in, you will always get out, even if it takes longer than you think.

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

To have more confidence in myself, you can only get better with hard work!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Not everything about being a dancer is perfect, but I am so lucky to be where I am today! The feeling of performing is unlike anything else

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

There are many physical and mental hardships being a ballerina but they are all worth it. The pressure to be better, the competition and the sore muscles are all part of it!

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”?

I still have days where I question myself or feel like giving up but you just have to keep pushing or you get stuck in those feelings

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I’ve been lucky enough to never have any very serious injuries. But I have sometimes had small injuries which is one of the hardest things about dancing and there is definitely always a fear of falling behind

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

In my free time I love to cook, hang out with friends, travel or paint!