I had the chance recently to ask Isabella Rybarczyk some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Isabella is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with great poise and beauty, her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was two.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at MJL Ballet in Itasca, Illinois

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was 10

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Gaynor Mindens

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first started by taking jazz and pre ballet just for fun. Then around age 10 I started training strictly ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Act 1 variation from Don Quixote. I love the fire and fierceness in the character and in the movement

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I have a few in mind such as Boston Ballet and English National Ballet

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

When I got my first pair of pointe shoes. It was an amazing moment and I just knew that I wanted to be a ballerina

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

My absolute favorite ballerinas are Maria Khoreva and Skylar Brandt. They are such beautiful and strong dancers

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

That ballet isn’t about the steps, but the movement and emotion that you portray to the audience.

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

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is different in their own way and has their own unique style

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Definitely when I get to perform on stage and show everyone how hard I’ve worked and just hearing these applause for you at the end of your performance. Therefore, just know that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Getting through a long long day of rehearsals

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”?

I have those thoughts every once in awhile, but then I just listen to the Don Quixote Wedding Pas De Duex music and I just remember that it will all be worth it and that I am working towards something I’ve always dreamed of

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Never luckily!

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

I love to go on jogs and I love to cook with my mom and my little sister