I had the opportunity recently to ask Letícia Fernandes some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Leticia is an amazing dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible elegance and poise. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was 4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I study at the State Ballet School of Berlin

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en pointe since I was 9 years old

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Gaynor Minden point shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in a Ballet school and since this I love ballet!!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variations are The Pharaoh’s Daughter and Walpurgis Night

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I don’t know yet which company I would like to join

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

All memories I have since I came to my ballet school are special to me! I can’t choose one

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

My role models are Marianela Nuñes, Aurora Dickie and Mayara Magri

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

“In your life no one will encourage you, you need to be the one who encourages yourself to do it better.”

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

 I would say to never give up your dreams and it doesn’t matter what the others say.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

I love being a ballerina because I can express myself without words, just with our bodies

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

We suffer a lot with our bodies shape, weight and health

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 think we all already have these days when we just think we are not good enough and we just want to give up. But doesn’t matter the day we can’t give up, otherwise our hard work will just despair

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I really love romantic tutus!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes. Once I broke my left foot and I have knee problems

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

I like to draw, to go shopping with my friends and I also like to dance other dance styles!