Tag: Ballet

Q&A With American Ballerina Cassie Van Wolde

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance when I was 5

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance in the Dutch National Trainee Program

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been en points for about 4/5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Soffolk Spotlights

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom placed me in ballet when I was young because I had so much energy and then I fell in love with it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation is Giselle

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’d love to work for any company in Europe but my dream is Het National Ballet

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

My favorite memory was performing in the Golden Swan Gala and seeing some amazing professional dancers perform from the wings!

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

One of my inspirations in Jessica Xuan

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

Work smarter not necessarily harder

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

When I’m not dancing I’m usually doing school so I can work on graduating early!

 

Q&A With American Ballerina Hannah MacLeod

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I recently had the chance to ask Hannah MacLeod some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Hannah is an amazing dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I did a year of pre-dance when I was 4, but stopped until I was 9. Then I did not dance seriously (more than two days a week) until I was 13. I began training with the goal of a career in mind when I was 14.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I am currently training with the Manassas Ballet Academy, and I have attended the American Ballet Theatre (ABT)’s summer programs in California and New York City.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Since I was 11 and a half, so about 5 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Bloch Suprimas.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My mom originally placed me in pre-dance, but took Meyer out after a year because she didn’t think I would like it long term. When I was 6 I got to see the Washington Ballet perform The Nutcracker at The Kennedy Centre, and my biggest dream became performing in the Nutcracker. I begged my mom for three more years to put me back into ballet for that reason alone!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I absolutely love the Esmeralda variation! I performed it for YAGP last year and it was so much fun 🙂

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Some of my favorite companies include ABT, Houston Ballet, and Washington Ballet, but I haven’t decided on any particular company yet. When I’m old enough to audition, I’ll try for different companies of all sizes and see if someone will hire me 🙂

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

It’s so hard to choose, but my favorite memory is probably the first time I was told that I’m talented. Teachers tended to ignore me because I danced so little until I was older, and no one had ever told me I was good at ballet, so I naturally didn’t think I was. By age 14 I was strongly considering quitting. But one of my teachers asked to coach me and told me that he thought I was very talented and could even become a professional one day (which I was totally shocked to hear), and since he began to coach me I haven’t looked back!

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

Misty Copeland, Isabella Boylston, Stella Abrera, Tiler Peck, and Sara Mearns.

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

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Always strive to be the hardest worker in the room.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I prefer a classical tutu, but it’s still a very hard choice!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love makeup and fashion!! I love shopping, watching makeup videos, and playing around with clothes in my closet to see what kinds of outfits I can make. I also looooove tea and coffee and could drink them all day long!

Q&A With Ballerina Julia Conway

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I recently had the chance to ask Julia Conway some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Julia is a phenomenal ballerina. She graces the stage with incredible poise and elegance, her passion and love for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started with baby ballet when I was about 3 years old. But I began more serious lessons when I was 9.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I’m currently with the English National Ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I went on pointe when I was 9 years old. I’m now 18, so it has been about 9 years.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear freed classic pros.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

Growing up in London, my mother always took me to see the Royal ballet and English National Ballet. I always pictured myself onstage like the beautiful dancers I watched.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

There are so many beautiful variations. Of the ones I have danced, I really like Aurora act 1.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I’m so lucky to be working in a company that I love. English National ballet has always been a dream of mine.

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

Dancing bluebird last June was very special for me because it was my first soloist role as a professional

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

I am so inspired by Marianela Nunez and Isabelle Guerin

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

To listen and take corrections while remaining true to my own way of moving and dancing. Not to get lost in what others want.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like to go to museums, go out for meals with friends and play with my cats

Q&A With American Ballerina Charlotte Westman

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

4 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

BalletMet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Almost 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Freed Classic Pro 90 Maker L

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I don’t really know, my mom put me in it and I have done it ever since then

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have so many! But I really like La Fille m’a Gardé and Lilac Fairy from Sleeping Beauty

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for New York City Ballet or San Francisco Ballet

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

I don’t really have one but I do remember when I found out I was going on pointe I was very excited!

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

Wendy Whelan, Misty Copeland and Victoria Jaiani and April Daily from Joffrey Ballet

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

Probably just to get out of my comfort zone and really go for it!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love both so much I can’t decide!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like to draw and take pictures

Q&A With American Ballerina Jenny Colavito

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Jenny Colavito some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Jenny is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with poise and elegance. Her passion and dedication for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing when I was 5 so a little over 10 years now

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance in Maine at Thomas School of Dance and for the pre-professional ballet company Bangor Ballet

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I’ve been on Pointe for 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear custom Freeds by A maker

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I started ballet just like most 5 year olds in a combination tap/ ballet class. Around 7 I was moved into a level two class, it’s funny for a couple of years I wanted nothing to do with ballet, but my oldest sister had a dancer friend that told me to stick with it and that everything would click. She was right and I can’t imagine a day going by without dancing ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite variation, ooh gosh that’s a tough one, there are so many. I really like a lot of variations from Bayadere I don’t think I can pick just one!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I just want to dance! I’m 5’10” so a tall girl company. Maybe Ballet West, or PNB, or Nederland there are so many. Alonzo Lines is pretty cool too.

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

Favorite memory would be when I was given my first pointe role in the company, I was 11 and was a Flamingo in Alice. I also should have mentioned that my most recent memorable moment was participating at YAGP for the first time and making it into the top 12 at Chicago for classical. I’m looking forward to participating again this year

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

My ballet role models would be my very first instructor Ivy Clear, she has inspired all of her students and has given me the solid technical foundation that I have today. She was one of the very first company members of the original Joffrey Ballet.

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

Best advice, “If you rest, you rust” as well as “dance for yourself first and the rest will follow”

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical there is nothing prettier than a beautiful pancake tutu!!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I love to go to our camp and fish and swim. I also like to teach younger kids, it’s really rewarding to be able to give back. I also like to draw, play the piano and hang out with my friends

Q&A With Australian Ballerina Emilee Blake

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Emilee Blake some questions about her incredible journey as a ballerina. Emilee is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with poise and grace. Her passion and dedication to ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I have been dancing since the age of 10 but have only don’t ballet for 4 years

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at Ballettshule Theatre Basel in Switzerland

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I stared pointe work when I was 13 so for 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Freed Studio Professionals

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I got into a school called John Curtin were I had auditioned for the dance program but couldn’t make the final round cause I was sick so I had to go to the ballet audition and I ended up getting in so that’s when I decided to start ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Swan Lake Odette Variation

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Definitely Dutch National as they take tall dancers and it is an amazing company

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

When I was performing at Yagp New York Finals

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

Definitely Svetlana Zakharova and Sylvie Guillem

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

Train everyday harder then before and believe and achieve your end goal

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love hanging out with friends, swimming in the river and eating ice cream 😂 ❤️

Q&A With American Ballerina Virginia Archer

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

Q1: When did you start ballet?

9 years old

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Diane Partingtons

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Almost 5 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Freed Classic pro. My favorite makers are Castle, Z and V maker.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My family loves Ballet, so at 5 years old I went to see a ballet company perform Nutcracker and I absolutely loved it.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favorite ones would have to be Aurora act 1 variation and white swan act 2.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for any European ballet company but I absolutely love Dutch national, Paris opera, or Royal Ballet.

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

My favorite memory was probably being asked to be Cinderella. This was my first time being a principal in a full length Ballet.

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

I absolutely love Anna Ol from Dutch, Sara Lamb from Royal and Svetlana Zakharovabt from Bolshoi

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

Always Dance your fullest no matter what you are doing. Because it can always help you for the stage.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I love to swim, read and ride my bike during my free time.

Q&A With American Ballerina Grace Campbell

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I had the opportunity recently to ask Grace Campbell some questions about her amazing journey as a ballerina. Grace is an incredible dancer, she takes to the stage with incredible grace and elegance, her passion and love for ballet is unparalleled. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

When I was 3, I begged my mom to start!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

Kansas City Ballet School

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

Since I was 12, so 4 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I’m currently wearing Freeds Gaynors and Suffolk. I have a hard time finding good pointe shoes!

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I just really wanted to dance so I begged my mom for a year to let me start.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I have way too many! I love anything from Don Q or anything with big jumps and lots of energy

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream companies are ABT and KCB

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

Being Odette was really amazing. It was so challenging and I was only 15 so it was difficult yet a wonderful experience.

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

I love Ashley Ellis and Erica Cornejo. They both use so much passion and have such an amazing presence and I hope to dance like them when I am older.

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

Everyone has bad days. Even Professionals. The difference is that professionals learn from their bad days and don’t let themselves get sad about it because that only hurts a dancer. They learn and grow from it and that makes a dancer. The sooner you accept and learn from bad days, the close you will be towards a professional dancer.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical Tutu

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I am so busy that I don’t have a lot of free time and if I do I typically am doing school. But I also like to read and hang out with friends.

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Kate Cockerton-Holmes

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I recenetly had the chance to ask Kate Cockerton-Holmes some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Kate is a phenomenal dancer, she graces the stage with incredible poise and grace, her passion and dedication for ballet is unmatched. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet at the age of 11.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance currently at the New Zealand School of Dance.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started en pointe at the age of 12, so this is my 5th year dancing en pointe.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Bloch Sonatas and Bloch Heritage strong.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My friend did ballet and I loved the look of it. So I decided to try it and have loved it ever since!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

My favourite variation is Odettes Variation!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work for The Royal NZ ballet, the national ballet of Canada or the Royal Ballet. But I would be so grateful to be accepted into any company! 🌸

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

My favourite moment in ballet has to be when I performed my solo and the Alaina Haines completion on the St James theatre.

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

Dancers that inspire me are Svetlana Zakharova, Darcey Bussell and Sylvie Guillem. They are so talented and such inspirational people!

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

The best advice I have received is to be yourself you have to be the hardest working dancer in the room. You have to be persistent and determined if you want to get a job as a dancer.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love a pure classical tutu!

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

I like to spend time with my friends, explore Wellington and eat a cute cafes.

Q&A With New Zealand Ballerina Eve Claudia Condon

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I recently had the opportunity to ask Eve Claudia Condon some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Eve is an amazing ballerina, she graces the stage with incredible poise, grace and elegance. Her passion and love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I first started ballet when I was three like most little girls do, but since then I have never looked back!

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently train at the New Zealand School of Dance! I am a first year classical major.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for about 5 years now!

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

Right now I am wearing Bloch Aspiration but I’m still trying to find my ‘perfect shoe’

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

My beautiful mother enrolled me so if it wasn’t for her I don’t know if I would be where I am today!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

I really couldn’t chose my favourite variation because I simply love them all for various different reasons! But as of right now I love the Dying Swan!

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would really love to work somewhere in Europe but I would be happy to be employed anywhere really, as long as I’m doing what I love!

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

One of my many favourite moments was when I was rehearsing a solo in front of my teacher and I once I had finished I looked up and saw she had tears in her eyes. And in that moment I knew I had made her proud.

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

I have had so many role models who have influenced my dancing in so many ways, my teacher Anneliese Gilberd would be one of my biggest inspirations along with Darcey Bussell and Sylvie Guillem who I also look up to in more ways than one.

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

The best advice I have received is ‘Everybody’s path is different so don’t compare yourself to others’, I absolutely love this as it just so true and I think we all forget this sometimes!

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

Ooo I couldn’t choose! They are both so beautiful 😍

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my spare time I really love to bake healthy treats, go for long walks, do yoga, read books, and take photos to name a few! I feel it’s so important to leave dance in the studio and just be a ‘normal’ person in your spare time!