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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started when I was two!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at Long Beach Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Gaynor mindens

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

 went to watched the Long Beach Ballet Nutcracker when I was two and I fell in love and have been dancing at Long Beach Ballet ever since

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Paquita 2 which i will be performing at Youth American Grand Prix

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to go to Master Ballet Academy or ABT when I’m older

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

My favorite memory in ballet was performing my variation at YAGP for the first time

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

My ballet role model is definitely @ava_arbuckle because she is such an inspiration to me and she is a gorgeous dancer

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

The best inspiration I have been told by my coaches is to keep persevering because It’s going to be rough at times but you just have to keep going!

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

Advice I would give to my younger self is to not care what anyone thinks and do what makes you happy because there are always going to be people trying to bring you down but you but you have to brush it off and keep being your self

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is that it’s the only art for that you are dancing on your toes and I think it is so unique and cool

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina (for me)is definitely dealing with my perfectionism because I want to do everything right but that not realistic

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 days when they feel unmotivated but you have to remember what you are working for

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classic!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I dislocated my knee when I was 11

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

Stretching and swimming