I had the chance recently to ask Ana Smith some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Ana is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance, her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Texas Ballet Theater School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Nikolay 3007’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents put me in ballet when I was four and as I’ve gotten older I’ve just fallen in love with it more and more!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I really love Dulcinea and Giselle act 1

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I really like Houston Ballet and San Francisco ballet!

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

Being in Ben Stevenson’s Nutcracker every holiday season!

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

The dancer I look up to most is Marianela Nunez

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

Its just ballet, not brain surgery 🙂

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

Don’t be afraid to try new things, just go for it!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing! I enjoy it and I hope the people watching enjoy it as well.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Turns have always been a big challenge for me

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”?

To me this is a “normal” teenage life, I’ve done ballet my whole life and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. Everyday I come to the studio I try to be better than myself the day before.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Nothing super serious, just some hip and knee things here and there.

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

I love to make jewellry!