I had the opportunity recently to ask Amelie Watson some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Amelie is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is fantastic. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance when I was about 4

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Dance Institute and next year I’ll be going to a full time ballet school

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I think I started when I was 11 so… 5 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I switch between Grishko 2007s and Energetik Bellas

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

hmm I guess started taking classes and just got into it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Probably Kitris wedding because it’s the first one I ever competed

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’d love to work with the Royal New Zealand Ballet because I love Wellington and also the company is very diverse and family-like

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

I have a few little memories of when I’ve nailed a move or gotten into a school.

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

I love Skylar Brandt, and Katherine Morgan

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

hmm that one’s hard because all my teachers give me sooo much amazing advice!

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

Start working harder NOW instead of later and push yourself more! You can do anything if you work hard enough for it

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I love the challenges and the feeling after doing a really long hard class. I love performing and also dancing alongside friends!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Probably missing out on a lot of normal teens social life and also the pressure us dancers put on our self’s to be perfect can be draining

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 be honest I’ve had many days whee I’ve thought that but you gotta keep your head set on what you wanna do

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Luckily no, only small ones

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

I spend most of my time dancing, doing school work or working at a cafe haha. But when I do occasionally get free time I love to hang out with friends and family, make yum food, exercise, and go outdoors!