I had the chance recently to ask Joëlle Aeby some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Joëlle is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her reponses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was about 5 years old. My parents where working during summer so they found a summer course for me which was dance.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently dancing in Melbourne with the Victorian state ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started dancing on pointe when I was 9 years old …. so 14 years already!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Since I am 15years old I wear my costume made point shoes from freed ( C Pro 90 Special, xxx ,heel pin, by wineglass). I wear between 2 and 5pairs a week

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum says I danced before walking:))) I did move when I hear music. But ballet was at the summer school when I was 5 years old

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

hard question… I love dancing the wedding variation of Aurora sleeping beauty act.3. I did perform this one at a Gala in prague. Beside that Raymonda’s dream variation.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I am grateful and so happy to be part of Victorian state ballet and hope to pursue my career as a dancer with this company for many more years. One of my absolute favourite company is the Royal ballet London.

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

Yes few… as example winning gold medal in Germany and receiving a scholarship to join the ballet academic Munich, or when I received the certificate of best achievements from Gailen Stock at the royal ballet summer school, and another one would be performing Aurora at the gala in the nationale opera in Prague

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

Marianela Nunez absolut favourite dancer! Anna-rose O Sullivan, Misty Copeland and many more.

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

Be yourself and love what you are doing.

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

I would give the same advice plus don’t give up and believe in yourself!

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

There are so many beautiful things a ballerina’s life involves. As I love my job and it is my passion/life. Performing is pure joy.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Injuries… I had two big surgeries and going through rehab and getting back on stage is a taff and hard way but possible !

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”?

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical Tutu

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Yes, Broken hip with fractures and torn muscles and extra bone in my foot. Os trigonum.

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

I am a ballet teacher so I love to teach my students. If not teaching I do like to compose and play piano, cook and enjoy some time off with my partner and friends;))