I had the opportunity recently to ask Karissa Ng some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Karissa is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance, her passion for ballet is excellent. 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 currently dance with the Las Vegas Ballet Company

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on pointe for almost 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

. I currently wear Bloch Balance European pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Well my cousin danced and she inspired me to be just like her and my mom also just put me in dance class and I stuck with it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love a variety of variations, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be Grand Pas Classique

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work with Royal Ballet or American Ballet Theatre (ABT)

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

My favorite memory was Nutcracker 2019. It was my favorite Nutcracker that I have done because there was just the best backstage moments that happened and I performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy!

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

My ballet role models, just to name a few, are Natalia Osipova, Svetlana Zakharova, and Skylar Brandt

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

The best advice that I’ve ever received from a teacher was to not think and just dance.

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

I would advise my younger self to feel the music and let your body go

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is getting ready for a performance from the gorgeous costumes to the makeup. Also pushing myself to be the best you can be

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing would be having an off day and getting frustrated when nothing seems to work out

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. There were definitely some times where I would question my decision of doing ballet as an extracurricular activity but I would keep telling myself that I’ve come so far to quit now

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I am grateful to say that I have never suffered a serious injury, but I have had some minor injuries throughout my career as a ballerina

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

When I’m not dancing, I like to paint, listen to music, and spend quality time with my family and friends