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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was around 2 1/2, but started training more professionally when I was 11

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at SLK Ballet in NYC

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for five years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed Studio Professionals!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was two, I went to see the Nutcracker with my family. I decided on that day that I wanted to be a professional ballerina and I wanted to be Clara and the Sugar Plum!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That’s so hard, I have so many! I love third shade, white swan, flames of paris, and Nikiya’s death

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are so many beautiful companies, but I grew up going to watch ABT perform, so that has always been my dream company

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

One of my favorite memories was performing as Clara in the Nutcracker because I was fulfilling a dream I’d held for so long!

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

I have so many ballet role models, including Skylar Brandt, Maria Khoreva, and Devon Teuscher

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

Don’t let other people’s doubt and negative comments get you down, because there are always people who believe in you and know you can succeed

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

You are special; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, keep your confidence and keep working hard!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The ability to express myself through movement and bring joy to others around me!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Having your ideal path set from a young age can be challenging, especially because we all have to make a lot of sacrifices along our journey, and that journey can be riddled with doubt and negativity. However, ballet is such a rewarding profession, and it makes all of the sacrifices worth it!

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 definitely felt on some days that I was just so exhausted of the strenuous life, but then I realized that I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t a ballerina, and my love for the art form comes through and motivates me to keep going!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical for sure, though romantic tutus are beautiful as well!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

The most serious injury I’ve had was Achilles tendinitis. I developed it in the spring of 2019 and had to deal with the pain all summer through my summer intensives and bit into the following school year. Though it was super painful and really annoying when I couldn’t jump for most of the Ellison Ballet intensive, I went to physical therapy and discovered how much I loved learning about the body. It was definitely a learning experience

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

I probably spend most of my time outside of dance doing schoolwork, but I really love school so I don’t mind! I’m also a classical pianist, so I practice piano a lot as well. I also love to go bike riding, read, and spend time with my friends!