I recently had the chance to ask Meg Blackburn some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Meg is a phenomenal dancer, she graces 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?

The Queensland Ballet Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe work when I was 12 so 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Energetics

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was a very active child and loved to run around and climb trees so my mum put me into ballet to improve my balance and coordination and I loved it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t have a favourite but I love some variations from Giselle, La Bayadère and Romeo and Juliet

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Queensland Ballet

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

I love the moments when things finally work after all the time and effort you put in. Feeling an improvement in your work is truely rewarding.

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

I love to watch Lucy Green and Mia Heathcote from the Queensland Ballet. Li Cunxin, the artistic director of Queensland Ballet is such a big inspiration to myself and dancers all over the world also

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

“Freedom comes from great calculation”

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

To be more confident in myself and to trust the process.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Meeting wonderful friends, hearing inspiration stories from teachers, performing onstage and working hard to achieve your goals. I also believe training in ballet helps you become a very strong person mentally and physically

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Ballet is a huge commitment and you sacrifice so many things for something you love. It can be physically and mentally straining at times, especially when you are away from your family and loved ones. And of course the sore toes!

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”?

I think it is just a part of realising how incredible this art form is. I have faced adversity and felt like giving up at times but I use ballet to escape any problems I am having on the outside. I am glad that I had the strength to stick to it.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Probably romantic but they are both beautiful!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have manageable problem with my back which is chronic

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

I love to draw/paint, go to the beach, cook and spend time with my friends.