I had the chance recently to ask Lucy Cozens some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Lucy is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with great poise and beauty. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently training at National College of Dance in Newcastle.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for about 4 years, starting when I was 12

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I’m currently wearing Bloch Synthesis

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with dance because my sister was dancing and I wanted to do the same thing! I danced multiple styles like jazz, tap, contemporary, character, but ballet of course won my heart

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love so many variations because every single one is all different and unique, but my favourite would have to be Kitri Act 1 from Don Quixote, 2nd Shade from La Bayadere & Medora Act 3 from Le Cosaire

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

: Any company, big or small I would love to work for, as long as I’m doing what I love but I would really love to work for ABT & Leipziger Ballett

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

I love everything about ballet but two of my favourite moments is finally achieving something you’ve been working so hard for and performing on stage

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

My role models in ballet would have to be Natalia Osipova, Iana Salenka and Sylar Brandt. They are all completely different dancers with different strengths but they show so much love, dedication and passion for dance when they perform which draws me in

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

The best advice I’ve ever received is; Always remember that a dancer isn’t amazing because of their technique, they’re amazing because of their passion!

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

Advice I’d give my younger self is don’t waste time comparing yourself to someone else or wishing you could do something that someone else can do, focus on you and you only, focus on the growth and knowledge of your journey and never stop working for what you want!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

All of it! The journey to getting where you are now, all the hard work that’s put into making everything the best it can be, learning discipline from a young age that can help you anywhere and the proud moments of showing off you work, forgetting about everything and just performing!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is not seeing the improvement you are hoping or wanting to see, but knowing that even if you aren’t noticing it, you are always improving and to never stop believing in yourself

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’ve never seriously thought of giving up but I have had days where I don’t have a lot of motivation or I’m having a “bad day”, but I always think about my goals and what I’m working towards and telling myself that every bit counts and that always seems to make me work even harder on those kind of days.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both are so different and I love both but I’d have to go with classical tutu.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, I’ve been quite fortunate to not have had a serious injury (touch wood), but I’ve had minor setbacks where I might’ve had to not do certain moves or exercises but nothing major. I did have time off due to a minor surgery in September 2019, but I wouldn’t consider it an injury

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

In my free time when I’m not dancing, I love to do Pilates, go to the beach and go for bike rides and walks. I also love to read and journal.