I had the chance recently to ask Sophie Sibbons some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sophie is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with great elegance and beauty. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When 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?

7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch Mirella Whispers

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Apparently I was always saying that I wanted to be a ballerina, so my mum took me to a ballet school that some of my friends went to

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I honestly don’t think I could choose! I have a sweet spot for Coppelia Act III Wedding Variation though, as I am working on it currently

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company would be amazing!

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

I have so many amazing memories associated with ballet, but one that has stayed with me for ever is the memory of re-watching a recording of the ballet “Petrushka” over and over again just so I could watch the girls dance en pointe!

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

Maria Khoreva and Isabella Boylston, as well as all my amazing classmates, peers, and teachers at WAAPA

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

Just go for it

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

Give everything a go. Don’t hold back, and believe in yourself

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Getting to perform on stage and having the privilege of sharing such an amazing art form with people

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Not comparing yourself to others

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”?

Definitely. When you’re tired or injured or things aren’t going your way, it seems simple to take the easy way out. You have to remind yourself of why you love to dance and why you see it as your future

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Achilles and knee problems, but nothing too serious

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

I love to paint, swim at the beach, and spend time with friends and family