I had the opportunity recently to ask Macy West some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Macy is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible 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 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently a pre professional artist with the Victorian State Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe for almost 6 years, since I was 11

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Energetiks Stella’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first started ballet as an extracurricular activity before I started primary school and I became very focused on ballet when I started my Checcetti ballet exams when I was 10 years old.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have so many! But my favourites are probably the Raymonda Hungarian variation, Raymonda’s Grand Pas Variation or Nikya’s death from La Bayadere

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream companies are Queensland Ballet or the Australian Ballet, however I would love to continue my career as a part of the Victorian State Ballet

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

I have loved every experience I have had in ballet but my favourites are performing as a dwarf in Victorian State Ballet’s Snow White in 2017, participating in the Bolshoi Ballet Summer Intensive in 2019 and being lucky enough to receive entry into the summer programs in Italy and Switzerland and being accepted in the the Pre Professional Program at VSB

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

Dancers that inspire me are Olesia Novikova, Svetlana Zakharova and Amber Scott. Also all the amazing company members at VSB

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

The best advice I’ve received was to perfect all the movements that create a step and build your muscle memory first before trying to perfect the harder movement. I find this advice can be used in every aspect of ballet whether it be a pirrouette or grand jete

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

I would tell my younger self to always be confident and never doubt your abilities. Also to have fun and remember why you started!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I think the best thing about being a ballerina is being able to do what I love every single day and be surrounded by wonderful and inspiring people. Ballet allows me to express myself through movement and I love using this to connect with the people around me

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

I think the hardest thing would be not comparing yourself to others and not letting minor errors effect the way you view your overall abilities, It’s very easy to get caught up in the stress of it all and forget about the positives

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 always known this was the best fit for me and have loved every minute of it. Having supportive friends and family made this decision so easy and I’m so grateful to be supported by everyone around me

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both! They are both so beautiful

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankfully I have never suffered a serious injury only small minor injuries here and there

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

I love to spend time with friends and family.