I had the opportunity recently to ask Hannah Saito some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Hannah is an amazing 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?

When I was 3 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I train at the Prima Youth Classical Academy

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been pointe for about 2 and a half years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Grishko 2007

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started dancing with all of my friends from Pre-School

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many variations I love it’s impossible to choose!!!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

As long as I am a ballerina and dancing everyday I am happy anywhere!

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

My favourite moments are when you come off stage after a performance and knowing that you did your best and that your hard work was so worth it!

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

The dancers that inspire me most are Fumi Kaneko, Yasmine Nagdhi and Skylar Brandt

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

To always believe in your self and know that if you put the work in you will always get what you put in

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

To always think about artistry! Sometimes I would only just think of the technique and forget about the artistry but ballet is an art form.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The feeling of knowing you have done your best!

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

There are times you will feel discouraged but that’s Ballet! One thing that makes ballet so addictive is the rollercoaster of emotions.

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 have never really thought about another life. I just love ballet so much and I all I want to do is to be a ballerina!

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Ooh!!! I love both but I I would have to say I do love a classical tutu!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have always been very lucky to have never been seriously injured

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

I love going on walks with my family by the beach and playing with my little pet cat!