I had an opportunity recently to ask Jayde Olsen some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Jayde is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Age 3

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Since age 11, so 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Gaynor Minden

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I began because my older sister was starting and we did it together

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Cupid, from the Don Quixote Dream Scene or Le Corsaire (for males)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Queensland Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, or The Australian Ballet

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

Anytime before a performance, when we are all on stage preparing, the curtain is still closed and hearing the audience creep in and the overture begin.

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

Darcy Bussell, Sascha Radetsky, and David Power.

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

What doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger

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

Work hard and don’t compare yourself to others

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The special bonds you make with your friends, being able to perform different characters, and being able to dance to beautiful music

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The time and dedication required, therefore sometimes missing out on other events or activities.

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”?

Of course haha

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical for sure

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No I haven’t and I’m very lucky

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

I love playing sports and going to AFL games, as well as watching musicals!!