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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance at age 3 but full time ballet at age 15

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

At the Australian ballet school

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear the Australian ballet companies left over shoes that Lana Jones that she used to wear. The brand in Bloch

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I auditioned for the ITP program with the ABS when I was around 10

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have many but I love to dance la bayadere first shade

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Australian ballet company or the American ballet theatre

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

My favourites are the ones performing on stage

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

Skylar Brandt and Yasmine Naghdi but especially the people who inspire me are all the dancers that surround at ballet

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

“The in between steps are the most beautiful and hardest parts of ballet”

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

To understand that everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t give myself any serious advice as I don’t regret or would want to change anything in the past

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Just dancing everyday as it’s something I love but the atmosphere that surrounds me and the outcomes that come with it.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Especially the intensity of work that comes with it but probably trying to keep a good mindset

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’ve never had seconds thoughts on ballet but I have had my ups and downs and days when I don’t feel like doing it or loving it as much

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I’ve had small injuries in the past but I have grown up a two extra bone since my right foot which causes pain for me when I dance. After being in the ABS for nearly five years and having some niggles In that ankle, now the pain in my ankle has finally gone overtime due to strengthening and rest

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

Spend Loads of time with my friends or exploring the parts of the city I live in. I enjoy painting in my free time as it’s very therapeutic to me.