I had the chance recently to ask Zoe Brady some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Zoe is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 10 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently in my third year of training at the English National Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been dancing on pointe since I was 12, so for about 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear freed pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first started ballet when my dance teacher invited me to take classes to improve my technique for other genres. But when I was younger I was always dancing around the house wearing tutus and ballet slippers, so it was meant to be

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is probably Odette

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

 I would love to work for any company, all I want is to be able to perform on stage.

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

I really enjoyed rehearsing one of the stepsisters from Cinderella, the character is very fun to play with

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

I feel like ballet would not be ballet without Marianela Nunez. I also love Beatriz Stix-Brunell and Yasmine Naghdi

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

Work for yourself

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

You are so special, don’t be afraid to be different. Be true to who you are

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

We get to dress up in the most beautiful costumes, dance to beautiful music and perform for an audience

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Making sure we take care of our mental health, it’s so easy to fall into a downward spiral of negativity as we continuously strive for perfection

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”?

Everyone has their days that are tougher than others, but I’ve never wanted to stop dancing. Having a close circle of friends who can relate and be there for you is so important

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, I’ve never had a serious injury

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

In my free time I love reading, doing yoga and exploring new places with friends