I had the chance recently to ask Isabelle Despoja some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Isabelle is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

currently dancing in the ballet stream, first year at WAAPA

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I think I started point around 12-13, most common time to start

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear the capezio cambre shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Pretty general, mum took me to ballet when I was very little, haven’t stopped since

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is the Don Q, Kitri variation from act 1 and second shade La Bayadere

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’d be happy to work anywhere ☺️, but would like to move overseas

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

Probably the last time I performed, which was at the RAD awards doing second shade, thoroughly enjoyed dancing on stage

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

I love Michaela Deprince from Dutch national ballet, as I have coloured skin and a muscular body, Michaela is a true role model for me

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

Don’t hold back, worst that could happen is you fall, but you won’t

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

To not hold back, and to trust your body, be confident with who you are

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Having the opportunity to perform and be artistic

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Everything

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”?

Yes all the time, those days I would talk to a lot of ppl, and try find myself

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes, very common, shin splints, rolled ankle

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

Spend time with friends, and be a normal teenager