I had the chance recently to ask Ella Cowan some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Ella is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is excellent. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started taking ballet seriously when I was 8

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Currently I am training by taking masterclasses and drop ins at different studios because of the busy schedule I have as I am also pursuing the career of an actress. This enables me to dance on a more flexible schedule and have the ability to work with different teachers and choreographers

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 4 and a half years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Grishko Miracle Pointe Shoes. They are such a beautiful and comfy shoe and perfect for me!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom was a ballet teacher when I was younger and I loved going to the studio with her and taking classes and I just fell in love with it!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the Sugar Plum Fairy variation from The Nutcracker!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I think it would be so cool to dance with the New York City Ballet!

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

Yes! My favourite memory is dancing Young Clara in the Nutcracker with Hamilton City Ballet and receiving Distinction on my Intermediate RAD ballet exam!

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

Misty Copeland and Tanya Howard are two ballerinas that really inspire me!

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

Some of the best advice I’ve been told is to find what makes me special in my dancing that lets me stand out and be able to shine

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

I would say to my younger self, don’t ever let others make you feel invisible or inferior and be confident in yourself

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina is how it helps you be strong and determined in other areas of your life

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

I can’t really think of anything that is hard about being a ballerina except for when people underestimate how strong we actually are and how much hard work we put into it

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”?

No, I’ve never thought of doing something easier because I love having something that keeps me focused and challenged

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutus

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No, I’ve been lucky enough not to have any injuries so far

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

I love acting and reading scripts and novels in my spare time!