Q&A With Australian Ballerina @Jadeellie.ballet

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 2 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I train fulltime at Danceworks Sydney in Darlington

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for a little over 6 years!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I have been wearing Gaynor Mindens for almost 2 years now and I don’t think I have found a shoe that suits my foot any better

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was only 2 when my mum and dad wanted me and my brother to do something active so she put me in a ballet class so I grew up doing it. However when I was 10 I really started to love it and I decided I wanted to take it serious and hopefully make it my career on day

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many that I love but I would have to say my favourite is Swanilda Act 1

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I have always loved and dreamed about working with the American ballet theatre (ABT) but also, after attending American Repertory Ballet/Princeton Ballets summer school in 2019 I fell in love with there company and the staff there so that would be at the top of my list as well!

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

I love being on the stage and anytime I perform it brings such happiness to me but the one moment that really made me love it was when I completed 20 consecutive turns from fifth position and when I got to about 15 the audience started cheering and it made me really know that this is what I loved to do

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

The dancers that inspire me the most are definitely my teachers at Danceworks! They are all so supportive and always push me to do my very best and give everything my all. Another dancer that has inspired me incredibly was an older girl who now dancers with the Australian Ballet named Sara Andrlon. She was like a big sister to me growing up and I learnt so much from her.

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

The best advice I have received is to show my emotions and what I am feeling through my dancing and to always dance like it’s the last time I’m ever going to dance

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

I would definitely tell my younger self to not let people get into your head and just dance for yourself

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

By far the best thing about being a ballerina is getting to perform and make people happy. I always love making people feel good and I love seeing people happy after I have performed for them

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina is different for every dancer but for me I would have to say the hardest thing is the mentality of a dancer. We always wanna be improving and gaining more strength so when something like an injury happens it causes great sadness and really effects how a dancer thinks

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”?

There has been times where I would look at my friends outside of dancing and see them going to parties and having all kinds of fun, but I have never thought to stop dancing because I simply love it too much, I can barely get through a one week break without having the urge to dance until my legs give out

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Honestly, it depends what mood I’m in but typically it’s classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Unfortunately I have, I have dislocated both my knees (right twice and left once) It was one of the hardest things I have had to face but my knees are getting stronger everyday!

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

I love to shop! I also love to read, going to dinners with my mum and dad, spending time with my friends and I love watching movies.

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Zara Daisy

I had the opportunity recently to ask Zara Daisy some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Zara is an excellent dancer, she takes to the stage with grace and elegance. Her love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I originally started ballet when I was 2, but hated so much that I quit, but after watching my sister dance I really wanted to try it out again at a different studio. So I did and absolutely loved. ( I was ten at the time when I started back up)

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with Fiona Haines dance Academy and I am also a scholar and associate with New Zealand school of dance

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 2 years now

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I am currently wearing Capezio Donatella and I love them so much

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first got involved with ballet by watching my sister at her end of year show and that was when I decided I was going to be a ballerina and dance on stage in front of thousands of people

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I love the variation Pharaoh’s daughter because the music is so gorgeous I could honestly listen to it all day! And the dance is so much fun to do and look so elegant from the audience. ( I have too do two parts to this message but it’s too long to send in one)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to dance in any company but if I got to choose I would definitely dance with the Royal Ballet. I would love to dance with the Royal Ballet because the first ever ballet I watched was from the royal ballet so being able to dance there would me feel like I truly have accomplished my dream

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

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

My ballet role model would definitely be Maria Khovera because not only is she amazing but she started dancing professionally with the Mariinsky Theatre when she was only 18 years old

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

The best advice I’ve received from a teacher would probably be “ things don’t just change over night it takes time! So even if you only improve 1% each day by the end of the year you’ve improved 365%”

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

Some advice I’d give my younger sled would probably be “ you don’t have to dance everyday, you are allowed days off to rest your body” I would tell myself this because last year I would always be doing as much ballet as I could but it was only making me more tired, so I wasn’t improving

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The best thing about being a ballerina would be all the hard work that goes into your dancing because the feeling of accomplishing your goals and dreams is the best feeling in the world and makes dancing so much more enjoyable

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The hardest thing about being a ballerina would probably be those days where you feel like everything is going wrong. Those are the days we’re I compare myself to others and think how come the are so talented and I’m not

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”?

Yes I most definitely did and still do “when you have bad days you just need to learn to rest and not quit because there are going to be better days.” When ever I have bad days I always think about this quote and it really helps me

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love classical tutus because they are so beautiful on stage and make me feel like I’m a proper ballerina when I wear them

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have not suffered from a bad injury! The worst injury I’ve had was when I broke my finger doing a pirouette! But lucky for me the recovery didn’t stop me from dancing

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

In my free time I love to go on bike rides with my siblings especially going on the BMX track!

Q&A With American Ballerina Erica Borden

I had the opportunity recently to ask Erica Borden some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Erica is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with excellent poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

? I started dancing at 3, did all styles until I was 8 years old, and then I focused on ballet and contemporary

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at The Art of Classical Ballet in Pompano Beach, Florida

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

About 7 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Repetto

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents and teachers could see that I could feel a connection to ballet when I was younger. It made me so happy. I started asking about taking more ballet classes

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I don’t really have a favorite, because I like to experiment with different characters. Currently I’m learning Pharoh’s daughter, and it’s a lot of fun

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for Ballet West, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Complexions or Netherlands Dans Theater. I love ballet and contemporary, so I would be happy working for many companies

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

I really loved performing the Arabian Pas De Deux in the Florida Classical Ballet Nutcracker. The costume is awesome. It makes me happy the response I get at the end of the show from audience members

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

Marianela Núñez is my professional dancer role model. I love how she performs and she really feels the music and the character she is playing. Chloe Albaret of NDT inspires me in contemporary dance

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

My mentor, Olivier Pardina, has given me the best advice for so many years. I learned to stay true to the art and passion for classical ballet and to take time to revisit the very basics at all stages of training

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

Drink more water. I’ve gotten very dehydrated before when I was younger, and it’s not a good experience! I’m still working on it

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Performing and learning to play new characters is the best thing about being a ballerina

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

I wish I had more control of my career like I would in other careers. We can feel like we can’t control our future. We can be our best, put in the work, peform well, work consistently, have real passion for ballet, and not get a chance to work. In other careers, when you have that, you can usually get work doing what you want somewhere. We have so many factors that impact our future and the things other careers don’t have to focus on. Height, size, a “look”, politics, money, and just luck. Unpredictable career, but worth a try if you really love 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”?

At times the thought comes up when I want to spend time with my non-dance friends. I do have some amazing friends since 6th grade that I’ve made because of ballet. I think we are so busy that we miss a lot of negative parts of being a “normal teenager”. It’s worth it. Balance is important so we don’t burn out. I still find a little time for normal teenage fun. It’s healthy.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankful that I haven’t had any serious injuries

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

I like being with my friends, going to car shows, driving around, being creative and getting rid of stress. I also have a job working at a law office for a lawyer who is also a dancer, dance teacher and danced professionally!

Q&A With American Ballerina Sofia Angelov

I had the opportunity recently to ask Sofia Angelov some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sofia is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was 2 ½ years old in a Mommy and Me class. I started taking it seriously about 2 years ago when I started competing in ballet competitions at age 10

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance with the Amirian Ballet Academy in Los Angeles, and I also train with my father

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for 2 years – I began when I was 10 years old

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Rubins – Russian Pointe and love them!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Both my parents wanted me in ballet – my father was an artiste and a former ballet dancer and my mom just wanted me to wear a pretty pink tutu

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is from the ballet Raymonda, Act 1 (the scarf variation)

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream companies are the Bolshoi Ballet theater, The Mariinsky Ballet, the Royal Ballet and The Paris Grand Opera

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

My favorite moment in ballet is whenever I am onstage and we all bow to the audience and all the hard work is rewarded

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

My ballet role models are Marianela Nuñez, Olga Smirnova, Svetlana Zakharova, , Maria Khoreva, May Nagahisa

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

The best advice I received would be from my father who said “make sure you practice correctly”

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

Don’t be lazy, put work into your goals. It is important not to learn bad habits

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Best thing about being a ballerina is the reward being able to entertain and delight the audience doing what you love to do

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Hardest thing about being a ballerina would be the amount of work you need to do to make sure one tiny thing is correct

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”?

Sure, I have had moments when it was hard and I thought maybe it would be easier if I didn’t love ballet.  I always second guess myself when I see someone do it perfectly and I may be struggling (at that moment) But I do love ballet so the hard work is always worth it.

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Not a serious injury, minor ones, and I know I have to be careful with my knees to avoid a serious injury in the future

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

Ha! Free time? What would that be? My passion is art so if I do have a moment I like to paint, listen to music and make up my own

Q&A With American Ballerina Ariel Daley

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 ❤️❤️

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Tess Zahner

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.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Isabella Smith

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

https://www.communitynews.com.au/western-suburbs-weekly/news/subiaco-trained-ballet-dancer-with-pointe-to-prove/

Q1: When did you start ballet?

7 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

The graduate collage of dance Perth WA

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch European stretch split sole

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mum was a ballet dancer

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Too many good ones, but I love kitri, coppelia and 3rd shade variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work at the Paris Opera Ballet or the Royal Ballet

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

Dancing at the Prix de Lausanne

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

Marianela Nunez

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

Never let someone else dull your shine ✨

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

Don’t be too hard on yourself there will be plenty of time for that later

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

The stage performances

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The physical effort, everyday

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”?

100% I still have those bad days but it’s so important to remember why you love it so much, and at the end of the day if your happy or can still find that love on your worst day then you are in the right career, you know 😂

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No not really

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

Hang with friends, skateboard or watch Netflix 🙊

Q&A With British Ballerina Hannah Pearce

I had the chance recently to ask Hannah Pearce some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Hannah is an excellent 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 2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Tring Park school for the Performing Arts

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

6 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Bloch serenade

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Went to classes as a child at school

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Aroura Act 3

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work with Ballet Cymru

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

Getting to perform on stage with my friends

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

Yasmine Naghdi, Clare Calvert and Skylar Brant are huge inspiration to me!

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

Don’t take anything personally

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

Just go for it! You’ll be fine

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Getting to do what you love everyday and seeing hard work pay off

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Doing classes and rehearsal when you’re exhausted

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”?

 Defiantly! But then I can never find anything else I would be willing to work for 😂

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I have torn ligaments in my left ankle three times!

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

I love cooking and reading!

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Sam Merrick

I had the chance recently to ask Sam Merrick some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sam is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace. Her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her repsonses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance at age 3 but full time ballet at age 15

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

At the Australian ballet school

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

8 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear the Australian ballet companies left over shoes that Lana Jones that she used to wear. The brand in Bloch

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I auditioned for the ITP program with the ABS when I was around 10

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have many but I love to dance la bayadere first shade

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for the Australian ballet company or the American ballet theatre

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

My favourites are the ones performing on stage

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

Skylar Brandt and Yasmine Naghdi but especially the people who inspire me are all the dancers that surround at ballet

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

“The in between steps are the most beautiful and hardest parts of ballet”

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

To understand that everything happens for a reason. I wouldn’t give myself any serious advice as I don’t regret or would want to change anything in the past

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Just dancing everyday as it’s something I love but the atmosphere that surrounds me and the outcomes that come with it.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Especially the intensity of work that comes with it but probably trying to keep a good mindset

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’ve never had seconds thoughts on ballet but I have had my ups and downs and days when I don’t feel like doing it or loving it as much

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Definitely classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

I’ve had small injuries in the past but I have grown up a two extra bone since my right foot which causes pain for me when I dance. After being in the ABS for nearly five years and having some niggles In that ankle, now the pain in my ankle has finally gone overtime due to strengthening and rest

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

Spend Loads of time with my friends or exploring the parts of the city I live in. I enjoy painting in my free time as it’s very therapeutic to me.

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Georgia Willshire

I had the chance recently to ask Georgia Willshire some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Georgia is an excellent dancer, she graces the stage with elegance and beauty. Her love for ballet is amazing. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 2 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Kim Harvey School of Dance in Canberra

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Almost 2 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch Synthesis

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My parents enrolled me

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Esmerelda

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Royal Ballet

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

Getting my award into an Intensive course of my choice from the Royal Ballet

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

Claudia Dean and Marianela Nunez

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

Dance schools look for potential not show offs

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

Hard work beats talent

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Everything !

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

The competitive aspect of dance

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”?

Yes. Ballet is extremely hard and very easy to just ‘give up’ but with a positive mindset, you can stay optimistic

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Both !

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No fortunately

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

I like exercising and being outside. I also like spending time with my friends and family 🤍