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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 8

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am dancing at the Dutch National Ballet Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am wearing energetiks/ Russian pointe

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started with jazz and musical theatre then decided to give ballet a go

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love all paquita variations

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Dutch national ballet company

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

Dancing at the Prix de Lausanne was by far my favourite dance memory

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

My biggest role model is Alessandra Ferri

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

This one’s hard… probably to be myself and put my own character into dance, that’s what directors want to see

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

Probably to not be so hard on myself all the time and love what I have and can do

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The feeling I get being able to perform

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Personally body struggles and injuries

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”?

Obviously days have been very hard but I don’t think I’ve ever really wanted to give up dancing

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes I have had a few ankle/feet injuries which have been quite a struggle

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

I love spending time with friends