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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was four years old at a local studio and loved dancing ever since

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at San Francisco Ballet School currently

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was eleven, so for about two years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Capezio pointe shoes, but in the past I have worn Bloch and Freed of London

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I knew I wanted to dance professionally when I got into San Francisco Ballet School at nine years old

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love all the variations, but I especially like Tchaikovsky Pas and Harlequinade

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any company, but my dream companies are the Mariinsky Ballet, Opéra National de Paris, ABT, and SF Ballet

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

My favorite ballet memories are during Nutcracker season at SF Ballet. There’s nothing quite like waiting backstage with my friends to perform in front of over 3000 people at the War Memorial Opera House

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

My ballet role models are Yuan Yuan Tan (@tanyuanyuansf), Skylar Brandt (@skylarbrandt), Sasha de Sola (@sashadesola), and so many more!

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

The best advice I’ve ever received from a teacher is to not compare myself to others. Each dancer is unique and has their own gifts and their own struggles that they’re dealing with

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

If I could give a younger version of myself advice, I would say not to be so hard on yourself. If you just keep working hard, you’ll reach your goals

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a dancer is being able to perform after lots of hard work. It is such a good feeling to go onto the stage knowing I’ve worked my hardest and I’ll be great

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a dancer is having to watch a video of myself. When I watch myself dance, I always focus on the little negative things that I need to fix instead of looking at my improvements

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 never have days where I think “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”. I love ballet because its challenges are so rewarding

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both classical and romantic tutus, but if I had to pick, classical would probably be my favorite

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have luckily never suffered a major injury, but I’ve had a few recurring, more minor ailments, like hip flexor tendinitis

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

In my free time, I write dystopian and fantasy novels, which I hope to publish soon.