I had the chance recently to ask Tess Jensen some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Tess is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace, her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 6

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently a PTD at Ballet West

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been dancing on pointe for 8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freeds classic pro 90’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I followed my brother into ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Gamzatti variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Hard one, ballet west, ABT, Joffrey Chicago or any European company

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

I think doing the Joffrey Chicago summer intensive

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

I really love to watch Skylar Brand

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

That’s a difficult question because every teacher had something unique to give that really helped me

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

o calm down and breathe

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing on stage and enveloping the audience into the story

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Not seeing myself in a critical way but more in a progressive way

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”?

Yes, but in the end passion and dedication won!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I had a couple surgeries that I had to get back from

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

I love to read and do schoolwork. This helps me relax after class