I had the chance recently to ask Taylah Woodberry some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Taylah is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her passion for ballet is fantastic. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 12 1/2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance currently at Benedict Manniegel Ballet Academy in Munich, Germany

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 4 or 5 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear energetiks pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started ballet because my friend was doing it and I immediately fell in love with it

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have a few favourites – Swan Lake pas de trois, Dulcinea variation from Don Quixote and Paquita 2 lead variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’m not sure what company I would love to work for yet.

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

I have too many great memories from ballet. But I love dancing with my best friends

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

Yasmine Naghdi, Fumi Kaneko, Neneka Yoshida, Mia Heathcote

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

My teacher drilled into my head that your the only person who can make you work your hardest to achieve your end goal/s

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

I would tell my younger self to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes your way

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is performing on stage and entertaining audiences. Plus you get to do what you love

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing I found being a ballerina is the body image

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 have had hard times and thought about quitting but I remember that this what I love and it makes me happy to do something that I enjoy

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical, but I love both

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I actually haven’t suffered a serious injury, just minor ankle injuries

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

I love to spend time with my family and friends or go shopping.