I had the chance recently to ask Samantha Wright-Vargas some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Samantha is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with phenomenal grace and poise. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Art Ballet Academy in Arlington, Texas

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for almost 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Russian pointe rubins. I love them so much!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet whenever my mom signed me up for my first dance class when I was three. As my mom and I started discovering my love for this form of dance, I switched dance studios at the age of 7 to start focusing more on ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many variations and each one is so unique! My absolute favorites, though, have to be Grand Pas Classique, Giselle, Kitri Act 1, Awakening of Flora, and La Esmeralda

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

It would be a dream to work at the Royal Ballet, ABT, Houston Ballet, or others

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

My favorite memory’s are definitely the times I get to perform in my studios Nutcracker performance every year alongside by friends. I have gotten to dance a wide variety of magnificent roles, and I always have so much fun. Also, competing at YAGP this past February was a memorable moment, and dancing a pas de deux with my partner Harris @hbyesenikballet; it was amazing winning 2nd place with him, and placing 3rd in my classical solo, getting invited to participate in NY finals with both numbers (which unfortunately got cancelled this year).

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

Some professional ballerinas that inspire me are Maria Khoreva, Marianela Núñez, and Natalia Osipova

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

The best advice I have received from my teacher is to use as many port de bras and expressions in various ways to dance as different characters

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

Always believe in yourself, and never feel down if you might not have a certain characteristic. Hard work, smart work, and determination are key if you want to improve, even in the little things

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Getting to compete and preparing for a competition are always fun and rigorous moments that I love. Also, the beauty of the art, and the hard work it requires to look beautiful are some of my favorite aspects of it. I’m so grateful I get to do it every day!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is probably the possible mental challenges, and thinking you aren’t good enough for the art. It is always best to believe in yourself, and keep in mind that absolute perfection doesn’t exist in this sport

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, I have thought about that before, but the time it did happen, I looked back at why I dance and the happiness it brings me. I can’t imagine living without ballet! It has shaped me in so many ways, and it has made me into who I am today

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical tutus

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankfully, I haven’t had any major injuries

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

In my free time, I love to bake, read, ride a bike, and spend time with my family! Also, I enjoy playing the piano and the violin!