I had the opportunity recently to ask Lucy Harris some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Lucy is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with grace and elegance. Her love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at age 13!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing with the Victorian State Ballet Company as a Pre-professional artist.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing en pointe for about 5years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear the new Bloch Synthesis Pointe Shoes, and I absolutely love them!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Dancing was something I always found so magical and loved watching, especially the ballet, so I finally decided to give it a try for myself and went to my first dance class at 13!!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I absolutely love watching sleeping beauty😍 I find it such a magical ballet, but I don’t think couldn’t choose just one variation!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to continue working with the Victorian State Ballet Company, it is such a supportive and inspiring environment which is amazing to be a part of!

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

Definitely going to my first pointe class! It was such an exciting experience😆

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

My biggest role model would have to be Misty Copeland! She also started ballet at a much later age compared to most of her peers as I did, she inspires me to feel like anything is possible when you work hard enough😊

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

Although this is probably seen as very cliche, one of the most important pieces of advice I received from a teacher was, hard work is the key! If you put your mind to something and put in the effort you will see results and achieve your dreams!

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

Advice I would give my younger self is take every opportunity that is offered to you! Anything you can do to gain experience and learn from all different people is so incredibly valuable!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Personally, I think one of the best thing about being a ballerina is being able to do what I love all day everyday, with an amazing group of people who are all just as passionate about dancing as I am!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

One of the hardest things I have had to overcome as a ballerina is learning to listen to my body. As dancers we often feel we are expected to go, go, go, as its the career we have chosen and worked for, but like anyone sometimes we need to take a step back and relax, allow time for recovery and take some time to look after ourselves.

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 have been days like this for sure, but for me the hardest days are what lead to the biggest reward! It is such a fun, enjoyable experience going through the process of putting in the hard work at training and rehearsals in preparation for a show and then seeing it come to life on stage and being able to perform something everyone can come to watch and enjoy💕 For me this is what makes the hard work so worth it!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I would have to say classical💖

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

As I mentioned previously I have had to learn how to listen to my body as a way to help manage ongoing acute injuries and prevent then from becoming anything more concerning

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

Dancing full time means a very busy lifestyle, with constant rehearsals and performances so when I get some free time I love just hanging out with friends and family, going to the beach and watching movies!!