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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I starting ballet when I was about 5 or 6 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently studying dance at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I got my first pair of pointe shoes at the age of 12 so I’ve been dancing on pointe for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes. I have tried many many other shoes brands and I have found that this brand works the best for me

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My older sister did ballet and so watching her dance made me want to start ballet too!!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation to perform would be the Sugar plum fairy. I also really love bluebird and grand pas classique

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company would have to be Royal New Zealand Ballet. However I would love to work for any company that would let me join them

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

I just recently received a scholarship award at the RAD festival competition in Perth. This was a massive achievement for me and probably the biggest moment in all my dancing years. Other memories that I treasure involve my end of year school productions, these are always so fun and exciting.

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

Of course my biggest inspiration is Marianela Nunez, she is so amazing!!!! I also find so much inspiration in my friends, it’s so enjoyable to see them achieve things they have worked so hard for !!!!!

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

The best advice I’ve received from a teacher is to not be so hard on yourself. As dancers we constantly criticise ourselves and are always focusing on the things that went wrong rather then focusing on the things we did well. It is very important to celebrate your successes and achievements

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

Advice that I would give my younger self is to trust the process. Just because you aren’t achieving your goals right now does not mean that they aren’t reachable in the future. Improvements take time so if you just work hard and commit you will eventually achieve your goals

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

For me the best thing about being a ballerina is performing. I love to express myself on stage and it’s such a rewarding feeling when you get to showcase something you’ve been working on for a long time

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

One of hardest things about being a dancer is finding the balance between working and resting. The amount of time we spend practicing and exercising to improve ourselves, we forget that we actually need to take breaks too. It is so important to give your body enough time to recovery so that it can recharge before your next training session

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!!! There have been many times when I have felt that I wasn’t good enough and telling myself that I will never make it. This is why it is so crucial to trust the process. The improvements your looking for will show eventually if you just persist and encourage yourself

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer a romantic tutu as I find that it gives the illusion that my legs are longer.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I am very lucky that I haven’t had any major injuries yet. I have sprained my ankles many times due to hyper mobility in my ankle joints, of which I had to take a few week off dancing.

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

I love to draw and paint!!!! It’s so amazing that I am able to be creative in other forms of art, not just dancing.