I had the opportunity recently to ask Savannah Rief some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Savannah is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible grace and elegance. Her passion for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started taking ballet classes for fun when I was 6 but I didn’t start to take dance seriously until I was around 11

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Florida School for Dance Education

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Right now I am switching off between wearing Russian Pointe and So Danca pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in classes at a young age and after attending a summer intensive at my current studio I really began to take my ballet training seriously

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Grand Pas Classique and Medora Act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream companies would be Houston Ballet, Royal Ballet and ABT

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

Competing at YAGP for the first time when I was 11 was a very memorable experience that I will never forget

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

Marianela Núñez, Maria Khoreva, Skylar Brandt and Isabella Boylston are some of my favorites

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

The best advice that I have received is that all goals are attainable as long as you work hard enough

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

If I could give my younger self advice it would be that confidence plays a big role in improvement

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about ballet is that it is impossible to achieve perfection and there are always things to work on

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is remembering that progress doesn’t happen over night and you have to be patient with yourself

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 actually really enjoy the hard work that is associated with ballet so I never really struggled with the choice of picking a normal teenage life

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No I have been lucky enough to never suffer from any serious injuries. I have had some minor injuries in the past but nothing to serious

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

I love to bake in my free time.