Month: October 2020

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Chelsea Stewart

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing at about 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently in my first year at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I think I was about 12 when I first started so 7 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I’m wearing Bloch Aspirations at the moment but I’ve worn many before, Capezio is another of my faves

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was a bit of a bambi when I was younger so my mum put me in a ballet class so I could try gain some control of my limbs!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have recently been doing Giselle which I absolutely love. It’s the perfect combination of artistry and technique for me: so challenging in both!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Royal New Zealand Ballet one day

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

There are a few. One of the best for me is when you finish a solo or piece on stage and the feeling of elation that this brings! Being proud of what you achieved.

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

There are too many to name. I love Skylar Brandt, she is absolutely beautiful.

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

This is tricky. I’ve received so much incredible advice from many teachers. One of my teachers once said to me to never compare myself to others but instead see what works for them and try to apply it because maybe it can help me improve

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

I think everything is so much easier to see in hindsight so who knows if my younger self would actually believe me but I think I would say that not everything has to be perfect all time. Things go wrong in performances and that’s ok, it’s always a work in progress

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The sense of accomplishment when you finally mail something that you have been working hard on. On and off stage

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Sometimes getting out of bed in the morning lol. Essentially, the insane fatigue you get sometimes/ all the time

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”?

Oh absolutely. I think every dancer does. But as always, we get ourselves up and into the studio, work hard and hope that it will be different tomorrow or the next day. And eventually you always find that pure joy and fall in love all over again

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical. They are just so pretty. Although I adore the look of turns in a romantic

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Unfortunately I have had my fair share of injuries. My ankles have always been lacking in strength which is something I’ve worked on constantly for many years now. And this weakness has lead to a number of posterior and anterior impingements of my ankles. But injuries are always a chance to get stronger and fitter, no matter how horrible they make us feel

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

Exploring Perth, swimming, watching Netflix of course, strengthening at the gym, hanging out with friends and roomies. Pretty boring stuff 😜

Q&A With American Ballerina Maddie Ward

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 3!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently in the PTD program at Ballet West

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

his will be my 8th year en pointe

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Suffolk Spotlights!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom took me to see Charlotte Ballet’s Nutcracker, and was on the edge of my seat during Waltz of the Flowers. I joined the academy right after.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the Hungarian variation from Raymonda, and 3rd Shade from Bayadère

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Any company that allows me to dance and perform for a living would be a dream! Some of my favorite companies include Ballet West, PNB, and Boston Ballet, to name a few.

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

Attending the Art&motion summer intensive was an amazing experience. I am so thankful for all I learned, and for being challenged both technically and artistically!

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

eckanne Sisk, Sara Mearns, Patricia McBride, Nayara M Lopes, Nikisha Fogo, and Marianela Nuñez (to name a few…the list is a long one!)

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

“Live within the layers of yourself…remember that you are a dancer, but to be a good artist, you have to experience life. You are more than just a dancer”. Also, “look at yourself like a scientist in the mirror. Remove emotional reactions to your reflection”.

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

There is no right way to be a dancer. You don’t have to look a certain way to be a ballerina. Do what you can with the beautiful body you have! Don’t sabotage your health to try and fit a mold of what you think you should be

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I’m never satisfied! There’s always something new to explore or improve upon, and that’s an incredibly rewarding process

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Same as the above…sometimes, knowing that you are never finished can be daunting. It’s hard to feel like you’ve accomplished anything or are making progress, so it’s easy to become frustrated. When I’m struggling with this, I remember why I dance, and focus on that joy and love instead of the frustration

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! All the time! Even now I sometimes have these thoughts. I allow myself to sit with these feelings when they do happen, but they’re always connected to me being frustrated with myself or my technique rather than my actual passion for dance and pursuit of it as a career. I love dance, and cannot imagine life without it

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes…a few too many! Lots of ankle sprains, a chip fracture in my foot, and subluxation of my knee cap a few years ago (partial dislocation). I had to walk with a brace that didn’t allow me to bend my knee! Yikes!

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

I love to write, and am really interested in philosophy and social justice, as well as politics! I hope to pursue all of these things alongside ballet 🙂

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Nikki Valentina

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I had the pleasure of asking Nikki Valentina some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Nikki is a phenomenal dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and grace. Her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I first began ballet I was at the age of 2 almost three!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Qld National Ballet School and have been dancing there since 2015

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe since I was 11 ! So about 5 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear the Grishko 2007 Mediums and I love them 🥰

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved because my mother saw me dancing in the house to classical music when i was very young so she decided to put me in a dance class 💓

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

One of my favourite variations would have to be lilac fairy !

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Netherlands Dance Theatre, Bejart Ballet, Vienna State Ballet (Wiener Staatsballett), Royal Ballet of Flanders and many other company’s !

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

Ahhh yes I do, it was while I was performing the Nutcracker with my school and the ‘snowflakes’ music started and we were coming on stage! The nutcracker is such a magical ballet to perform. I felt so alive when performing to such beautiful music and choreography

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

I am inspired by Misty Copeland and Maria Khoreva because of their work ethics and the way they present themselves to their supporters! They give amazing advice and I’m grateful for all the tips they give out!

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

– “Hard work and dedication will always be superior to someone with just good feet and legs.” The ballet industry is often very competitive and I think when I was told this it gave me some hope that my hard work would pay off.

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

I would tell my younger self to learn to take care of herself, listen to her mind and body as she would do for others and give it the attention it deserves and needs.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing would have to be performing and all the important parts that lead up to it. From the rehearsals to trying on the costumes and all the time and practice put into it, that’s the best part

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing would have to be the high standards set in the industry. It’s very cut throat you’re either in or out so it can be very difficult to keep a stable mind set and continue to work your best everyday

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, definitely. I’ve had many days like that. I’ve always looked at the alternatives and taken them to consideration but in the end my life without dance doesn’t seem right.. I cant see myself not being overwhelmed in the art. It’s apart of me now

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I’d have to choose romantic tutus! They’re so delicate and soft I love seeing the way they move with the dancer

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

At the very beginning of my previous dance school when I was about 7 years old I had Achilles Tendinitis and my teacher helped me with my technique as well as my physio and I never had pain again! Then in 2016 I had my first problems with my knees so I went straight to the ballet physio and they also were a great help and since then I haven’t had any issues with my knees. A few months ago I had an MRI for my lower legs and found that I had a stress reaction and shin splints in both of my legs so I’m resting at home now but i’m fortunate to have caught these serious injuries in the beginning because they could have been worse. I’m trying to get back into it slowly, I was testing out some barre work yesterday in my home studio but I still am getting some pain so I’m not ready yet. Hopefully by the start of next year I’ll be fully healed and ready to dance again !

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

I love to do art ! Like painting, drawing and even creative makeup!! They are my favourite things to do in my free time.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Holly Jarvis

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing at the Charlesworth Ballet Institute

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing en pointe for 6 year now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently wearing Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I first started dancing, I began doing theatrical styles along with ballet and then as I got older I started enjoying ballet more and decided to focus on it more

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have many variations that I like, but one of my favourites is Kitri Act 1!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Currently my dream company to work for is the English National Ballet

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

My favourite moment in ballet would be when I am performing onstage and feel like I am nailing everything in the variation!

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

Maria Khoreva

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher is to breathe, have fun and to just enjoy the moment

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

Advice that I’d give to a younger version of myself is to work harder everyday and push myself more especially in things that are not my strong point

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is being able to perform and express your feelings

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is being able to think about 1000 corrections while thinking about your technique, posture, how high your legs are/how many turns you are doing/how high you can jump, using your body/performing and still making it look easy

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”?

es, I have had many days where I have just wanted to give to be like a normal teenager! Whenever I feel like this I just remind myself what I am working for and who I want to become

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, I have been pretty lucky to have only had a minor knee injury where I strained two ligaments

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

In my free time, I like to hang out with family/friends, watch Netflix and bake!

Q&A With American Ballerina Tess Jensen

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I had the chance recently to ask Tess Jensen some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Tess is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace, her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 6

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently a PTD at Ballet West

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been dancing on pointe for 8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freeds classic pro 90’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I followed my brother into ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Gamzatti variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Hard one, ballet west, ABT, Joffrey Chicago or any European company

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

I think doing the Joffrey Chicago summer intensive

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

I really love to watch Skylar Brand

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

That’s a difficult question because every teacher had something unique to give that really helped me

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

o calm down and breathe

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing on stage and enveloping the audience into the story

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Not seeing myself in a critical way but more in a progressive way

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, but in the end passion and dedication won!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I had a couple surgeries that I had to get back from

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

I love to read and do schoolwork. This helps me relax after class

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Maddy Gill

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Maddy Gill some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Maddy is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and beauty. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I starting ballet when I was about 5 or 6 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently studying dance at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I got my first pair of pointe shoes at the age of 12 so I’ve been dancing on pointe for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes. I have tried many many other shoes brands and I have found that this brand works the best for me

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My older sister did ballet and so watching her dance made me want to start ballet too!!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation to perform would be the Sugar plum fairy. I also really love bluebird and grand pas classique

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company would have to be Royal New Zealand Ballet. However I would love to work for any company that would let me join them

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

I just recently received a scholarship award at the RAD festival competition in Perth. This was a massive achievement for me and probably the biggest moment in all my dancing years. Other memories that I treasure involve my end of year school productions, these are always so fun and exciting.

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

Of course my biggest inspiration is Marianela Nunez, she is so amazing!!!! I also find so much inspiration in my friends, it’s so enjoyable to see them achieve things they have worked so hard for !!!!!

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

The best advice I’ve received from a teacher is to not be so hard on yourself. As dancers we constantly criticise ourselves and are always focusing on the things that went wrong rather then focusing on the things we did well. It is very important to celebrate your successes and achievements

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

Advice that I would give my younger self is to trust the process. Just because you aren’t achieving your goals right now does not mean that they aren’t reachable in the future. Improvements take time so if you just work hard and commit you will eventually achieve your goals

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

For me the best thing about being a ballerina is performing. I love to express myself on stage and it’s such a rewarding feeling when you get to showcase something you’ve been working on for a long time

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

One of hardest things about being a dancer is finding the balance between working and resting. The amount of time we spend practicing and exercising to improve ourselves, we forget that we actually need to take breaks too. It is so important to give your body enough time to recovery so that it can recharge before your next training session

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”?

Definitely!!! There have been many times when I have felt that I wasn’t good enough and telling myself that I will never make it. This is why it is so crucial to trust the process. The improvements your looking for will show eventually if you just persist and encourage yourself

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer a romantic tutu as I find that it gives the illusion that my legs are longer.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I am very lucky that I haven’t had any major injuries yet. I have sprained my ankles many times due to hyper mobility in my ankle joints, of which I had to take a few week off dancing.

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

I love to draw and paint!!!! It’s so amazing that I am able to be creative in other forms of art, not just dancing.

Q&A With American Ballerina Emma Nagler

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I had the chance recently to ask Emma Nagler some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Emma is an excellent dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and grace. Her love for ballet is fantastic. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when i was 2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Lynch Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

This year will be my 5th year on pointe!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in a whole bunch of activities including ballet classes when i was little and that’s when i started to love it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variations are the Aurora Act 1 and Act 3 solos and the Giselle Act 1 variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

i would love to dance for Ballet West or Pacific Northwest Ballet but currently my goal is to continue to dance at a collegiate level

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

The most special memory i have from ballet would definitely be our annual nutcracker performances. I love the ballet, the music, and the tradition it carries and it is such a special part of the holidays

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

Some dancers who inspire me are Maria Khoreva, Tiler Peck, and Isabella Boyleston

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

Dance for yourself, not for anybody else

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

I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of standing out

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best parts of ballet are the feeling of accomplishing something that you’ve been working towards, performing on stage and sharing your art with the audience, and the friends and amazing people I’ve met

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Ballet is very hard both physically and mentally and sometimes it’s hard to see your progress on a day to day basis and it gets very frustrating

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”?

Although sometimes i wish i had a little more time to do “normal” teenage stuff, i would never give up ballet for any of that

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Luckily i have not!

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

I like to read, write, play clarinet, spend time with my friends and travel!

Q&A With American Ballerina Kaitlyn Gerrick

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at 2!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Spotlights

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My friend and I took a ballet class when we were little together and I loved it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Lilac Fairy

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for ABT!

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

My favorite memory is doing the Joffrey Ballets nutcracker on opening night!

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

My role model is Misty Copeland!

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

Work hard every day even when you are tired!

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

Dance is a lot of hard work but it is worth it in the end!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performances!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Practices all the time!

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, but then I realize I can’t live without ballet since I love it so much!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No!

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

Hang out with friends:)

Q&A With American Ballerina Larenne Taylor

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was four years old at South Florida Dance Company

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at St.Lucie Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing on pointe for about five years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Repetto La Carlotta

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with ballet when my older sister started doing it, so I gave it a try

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Juliet’s from Romeo and Juliet

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Orlando Ballet or to become a Rockette

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

When I went to the Rockette’s mini intensive

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

My ballet role model is my former ballet teacher, Mr. Reinhard.

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

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable”. – Duncan Cooper

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

There is always another day, don’t beat yourself up about one bad day

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

erforming and earning amazing opportunities

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Expecting perfection from yourself

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”?

Definitely, I still have those thoughts now

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic tutu for the win

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have had a few twisted ankles, but nothing serious

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

I like to run, hang out with friends, and read.

Q&A With American Ballerina Isabella Boyd

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

The Royal Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for about 5 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I predominantly wear Grishko pointe shoes but I also wear Freeds

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved in ballet after seeing my sister, Grace, in dance classes and I decided I wanted to try it as well

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a lot of favorite variations, but my all time go-to variation would have to be Giselle

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Royal Ballet or the American Ballet Theater but making it into any company would be a dream❤️

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

One of my favorite moments in ballet is running a variation for the first time all the way through. I love seeing how each variation is challenging in its own way and putting together different sections to make up a whole

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

Some of my ballet role models are Marianela Nunez, Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside, Natalia Osipova, Skylar Brandt, and Katherine Williams (but the list can go on and on).

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

The best advice I have ever gotten from a teacher was to lose myself in the music and to play with dynamic in movement. This means that making even the simplest steps like a Tendu have more meaning and rhythm

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

One piece of advice I would give to a young version of myself is to find a new way to enjoy myself in class everyday. Whether it is playing with different character roles or imagining you are on stage, the simplest mindset change can make the biggest difference

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is the freedom that comes with performing and moving your body

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is the constant demand and high expectations from your environment/teachers/classmates. It is also just as physically exhausting as it is mentally exhausting

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”?

Everyone has days where they second guess their career, but the important thing is to remember the feeling you crave most about ballet. For me, I remember how amazing performing feels and I remember that without the bad days, there are no good days

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Romantic

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Not yet🤞

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

I love to cook and bake in my free time but I also enjoy going on walks, meeting with friends, and watching Netflix 🥰