I had the opportunity recently to ask Holly Jarvis some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Holly is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible grace and poise, her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at the Charlesworth Ballet Institute

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing en pointe for 6 year now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently wearing Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I first started dancing, I began doing theatrical styles along with ballet and then as I got older I started enjoying ballet more and decided to focus on it more

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have many variations that I like, but one of my favourites is Kitri Act 1!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Currently my dream company to work for is the English National Ballet

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

My favourite moment in ballet would be when I am performing onstage and feel like I am nailing everything in the variation!

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

Maria Khoreva

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher is to breathe, have fun and to just enjoy the moment

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

Advice that I’d give to a younger version of myself is to work harder everyday and push myself more especially in things that are not my strong point

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is being able to perform and express your feelings

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is being able to think about 1000 corrections while thinking about your technique, posture, how high your legs are/how many turns you are doing/how high you can jump, using your body/performing and still making it look easy

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”?

es, I have had many days where I have just wanted to give to be like a normal teenager! Whenever I feel like this I just remind myself what I am working for and who I want to become

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, I have been pretty lucky to have only had a minor knee injury where I strained two ligaments

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

In my free time, I like to hang out with family/friends, watch Netflix and bake!