I had the chance recently to ask Ariel Daley some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Ariel is an excellent dancer. She takes to the stage with poise and grace. Her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

Five years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Accademia Teatro Alla Scala (La Scala Ballet School)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Grishko 2007s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom put me in ballet classes so that I would develop good posture and flexibility

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

That I’ve danced so far: Awakening of Flora, In general: variation from the Tchaikovsky Pas de duex

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

There are too many amazing companies to choose just one

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

Prix de Lausanne for sure!

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

Alina Cojocaru, Skylar Brandt, Maria Khoreva, May Nagahisa

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

Sorry can’t think of any

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

Hard work pays off – don’t give up!!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Dancing on stage

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The intensity of the training

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”?

 Around this time last year I was really considering giving up my dream, it just seemed unrealistic at the time. But I am very glad that I kept going

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Luckily I haven’t yet! Knock on wood!

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

In my free time I guess I’d say I am basically a normal teenager – I watch tiktoks, I love shopping, I love hanging out with my friends, and I looooveee eating ❤️❤️