I recently had the opportunity to ask Lucinda Mann some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Lucinda 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 started dance at roughly age 7 and ballet age 9

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently I dance at VCASS

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch aspiration

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I loved dancing around my living room when I was younger so my parents put me in dance. I started with more musical theatre before transitioning and finding my love for ballet

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a soft spot for Esmerelda but I also love gamzatti

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to be in ENB or San Francisco, even Houston/ABT or NYCB

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

When I won Maybel Pryde at BTW, I just felt like all my hard work had been rewarded!

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

Darcy Bussel, Lucinda Dunn and Margot Fonteyn all inspire me

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

To take your failures as learning successes

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

Keep at It! and never compare yourself to others

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Always having something to work for and improve on.. and of course performing is amazing

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Motivation, always finding something to keep you going when things feel mundane

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!! I think its important to think of your future and also find a good dance and social life balance. Its ok to be a normal teen sometimes!!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Can I pick both!?

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I haven’t as of yet! I have had some minor injuries.. The worst I’ve had is an impingement in my ankle and a stress reaction in my foot also.

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

Spending time with my friends! going on brunch dates and SHOPPING !!!!