I had the chance recently to ask Tess Zahner some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Tess is a fantastic 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 3 years old and have loved it ever since

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Queensland National Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

The pointe shoes I currently wear are Grishko Nova’s

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum took me to Bondi pavilion when I was 3 to little fairy’s

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Generosity (breadcrumb) fairy from sleeping beauty

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Australian Ballet company or English National Ballet

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

My favourite memory/moment in ballet was when I got giving the opportunity to play John in a performance of Peter Pan

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

Dancers that inspire me are Misty Copeland, Marianela Nunez and Maria Khoreva

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

The best advice I have ever received from a teacher was to always give 110% in everything you do.

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

The advise I would give to my younger self is to never give up, always try your best and stay try to yourself

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is being about to express your through movement

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Probably the hardest thing about ballerina is to not compare yourself you others and to remember that we are all individual with different talents.

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”?

You have good days and bad days some are worse then others, but ballet is my passion and I would not change it for the world

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have not suffered any serious injury during my journey so far

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

I enjoy hanging out with friends, taking my dog for long walks and cooking.