I had the chance recently to ask Emma Nagler some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Emma is an excellent dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace. Her love for ballet is fantastic. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when i was 2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Lynch Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

This year will be my 5th year on pointe!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in a whole bunch of activities including ballet classes when i was little and that’s when i started to love it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variations are the Aurora Act 1 and Act 3 solos and the Giselle Act 1 variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

i would love to dance for Ballet West or Pacific Northwest Ballet but currently my goal is to continue to dance at a collegiate level

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

The most special memory i have from ballet would definitely be our annual nutcracker performances. I love the ballet, the music, and the tradition it carries and it is such a special part of the holidays

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

Some dancers who inspire me are Maria Khoreva, Tiler Peck, and Isabella Boyleston

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

Dance for yourself, not for anybody else

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

I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of standing out

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best parts of ballet are the feeling of accomplishing something that you’ve been working towards, performing on stage and sharing your art with the audience, and the friends and amazing people I’ve met

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Ballet is very hard both physically and mentally and sometimes it’s hard to see your progress on a day to day basis and it gets very frustrating

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”?

Although sometimes i wish i had a little more time to do “normal” teenage stuff, i would never give up ballet for any of that

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Luckily i have not!

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

I like to read, write, play clarinet, spend time with my friends and travel!