I had the opportunity recently to ask Siera Millaudon some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Siera is a phenomenal dancer, shes 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 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Kwak Ballet Academy (Las Vegas Ballet Company)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Capezio Ava pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got into ballet because my parents were involved in performing of some sort, and I expressed interest from a young age

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Esmeralda

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I want to become a circus artist and dancer, and I would love to work with Cirque du Soleil and bring dance and circus together

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

My favorite moment in my ballet life was probably last years Nutcracker, where I performed Sugar Plum with my company

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

My ballet role models are my dance teachers Yoomi Lee and Kyudong Kwak. I also grew up watching Miko Fogarty, and although she has gone on a different career path than ballet, her passion for whatever she does has always inspired me

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

The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from one of my modern teachers, and she said to think of one thing you want to work on for yourself every class, and do it. It allowed me to focus on only myself and it helped me grow

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

I would tell my younger self to focus on her strengths, and that she deserves every opportunity she has gotten

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is the joy I feel when I’m onstage.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is the mental stress. Dance is very competitive and it can be very hard yo not compare yourself to others

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”?

No, I’ve never had a day where I questioned my choice to go into performing. I’ve always known that I’d never be happy any other way, and although there are so many struggles, the thing that has kept me going is the fact that I know what I want. I know that I love performing, and I will do anything to get to where I want to be

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classic tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have had Sever’s Condition since I was about 8 years old, and it caused me to quit gymnastics because the pain was too bad. For certain periods of time throughout the past 6 years, I’ve been sitting out during jumps in class. There are some days where it hurts to walk, but there is no way to fix the condition. You simply have to grow out of it. I also tore my hip flexor a few years ago, and I recently discovered that I have scar tissue in both of my knees

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

When I’m not dancing, I’m usually doing circus, which is my other main passion. I also love to paint and make jewelry