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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 6 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Capezio Airess

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum put me into a ballet class and I’ve loved it ever since

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Aurora Variation from Sleeping Beauty

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would be grateful to join any company that is willing to take me and suits my style

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

Probably dancing as one of the six couples in the ballet, Motif

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

Marianela Nunez, Natalia Osipova and Isabella Boylston and Skylar Brandt

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

You have your own journey. The pudding will be cooked when it’s ready.

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

Although you do not shine now, you will one day and all the hard work will pay off.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Bringing joy to people and giving something back that is so genuine and from the heart

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Trying to make everything effortless and consistent

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”?

Sometimes, I had that doubt that I wasn’t progressing but I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. Through the struggles it has taught me that everyone is on their own path to where they’re meant to be.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I was out for 6 months due to a lower back injury a long time ago but it has only made me a stronger dancer and I now have a new awareness with my body

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

I love to knit and cook, definitely looking to find new designs and recipes to work on.