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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of three

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at the Annette Roselli Dance Academy in the elite training program

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe since I was 12 so 4 years!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grisko 2007’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with ballet because I told my mum I wanted to be like Angelina ballerina!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My all time favourite variation would have to be Raymonda dream variation or Giselle

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any ballet company as it is such an honour to be able to get into a company!

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

My favourite moments/ memories in ballet are performing on stage and meeting my amazing friends for the first time!

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

My ballet role model would have to be Marianela Núñez!

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher is that you do not have to be born with talent or anything going for you as long as you work hard and have a good mindset you can achieve greatness

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

I would tell my younger self to not compare myself to other as we are all on different roads to different destinations

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is seeing all the blood sweat and tears pay off when you perform. It is such an amazing feeling!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is always wanting to be perfect and knowing that nothing will ever be perfect in ballet!

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”?

Some days are extremely tough in ballet! Some days you are sore and exhausted and getting out of bed is very tough but I have never had a second thought about wanting to become a professional ballet dancer it has always been my goals no matter how exhausted I was or are.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both are so stunning! If I had to pick I would say classical.

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have suffered two serious injuries being a broken ankle and a dislocated knee! Luckily I had many people around me supporting me to recover and become stronger then ever!

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

I love spending time with my friends and family when I’m not dancing as through the week I am so busy!