I had an opportunity recently to ask Madeleine Powell some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Madeleine is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible beauty and poise. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started classical ballet when I was about 9 years old but I started dancing when I was 3.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently training at Prima Youth Classical Academy.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Only three and a half years surprisingly

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear the energetics Stella pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I always loved dance! I knew I was going to do something involved with dance. But I actually hated ballet with a passion. I swore I was never going to do it. When I was about 9 I was told that I had the right body for it and nice facility hence why I started doing it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Very hard question! I’ve never learnt it but I love the look of the Giselle variation and the Aurora act 3 variation is a personal favourite as well.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I know it sounds very cliche but the Royal Ballet in London has always been my dream and it still is. I also love the Dutch national!

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

I’m sure there will be many more memories and events that I will cherish forever. For now my favourite memory would be performing at Alana Haines Awards in New Zealand and YAGP Barcelona because these have been the two international competitions I have attended.

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

My ballet inspiration has always been Misty Copeland, I believe her story shows such strength and determination. She will always inspire me!

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

I don’t think I can really answer this question well because I’m sure I have received some great advice over the years but unfortunately I’m unable to remember anything.

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

Don’t rush things. Don’t focus on others. Don’t let other peoples achievements in the moment intimidate you or let them doubt yourself. Allow other people to inspire you to do better and work harder.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is having the ability to do and perform an art form a lot of people are unappreciative of or unaware of its beauty. Being a ballerina allows me to show people how incredible ballet is.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is that you are constantly striving for perfection when perfection is not achievable. This sometimes causes frustration and the feeling that you’re not doing enough or you’re not improving but in reality no one will ever be perfect.

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”?

This is such a great question, I love it so much and think it is so important to talk about. Being only 14 years old and already striving for a career it’s certainly not considered “normal”. I have certainly had many many days where I have considered if I’m doing the right thing or if I do want to be a “normal” teenager. This is something that I have thought a lot about lately and have decided that there is no such thing as “normal” and it’s incredible to have the opportunity to do something many people dream about doing. So why not embrace it and live out my dream rather than do what most people do.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I would say Classical!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I wouldn’t say I have suffered a serious injury but I have definitely had a fair share of accidents. One of my worst being when I split my knee open on a bush walk forcing me to stop dancing for a month.

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

When I’m not dancing which is very very rarely 😂 I love shopping, going to the beach and hanging out with my friends.