Firstly, congratulations on your achievements at the Youth America Grand Prix, can you tell us more about your experience over in New York and the lead up to the YAGP?
Thank you! My experience in New York was very special. The city is so vibrant and stimulating. The competition gave me great opportunities and memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
What was one of your highlights?
The most unforgettable moment and highlight would be performing at the Lincoln Centre in the David Koch Theatre.
What other classes or activities did you get up to whilst over in New York?
I loved exploring the city during my time there and New York has the most amazing restaurants. My favourite place being “ABCV”.
How does it feel being back in your normal day to day classes?
Feels great being back in my normal routine!
Who do you look up to in the dance world?
I look up to all my incredible ballet teachers as well as many ballerinas. Some of my favourites being; Yasmin Naghdi, Marianela Nunez, Isabelle Ciaravola and Olga Smirnova.
What inspires you to push past your limits?
My passion, my dreams and my goals really help me push myself every day.
What do you enjoy performing the most in ballet?
I mostly enjoy performing the real classics of the ballet repertoire as well as the more dramatic ballets. I find these to be the most rewarding.
What is your first memory of dance?
My first memory of ballet was when I was 3 or 4 years old. I vividly remember being the youngest in the class and one of the other girls thought I was really cute and kissed my cheek!
What is in your dance bag?
In my dance bag I keep all my ballet flats and pointe shoes along with my toe tape, lambswool, exercise band and lots of warmup items like leg warmers and a knit sweater. Also, my roller and golf balls are a must-have!
What pointe shoe do you wear?
I wear Bloch Axiom.
What features do you look for in a pointe shoe?
I make sure that they are tapered in the box and nicely fitted around my heel. I also prefer a soft to medium strength shank that is shaped to my arch.
What advice do you have for other aspiring young dancers like yourself?
My advice to young dancers would be to let go, stay true, and work smart.
What do you like to do outside of dance?
I love to cook, bake, play the piano and hang out with my friends on the weekends. I am also learning French at the moment which I have really been enjoying!
What is the next goal you have set yourself?
Right now, I am preparing for a competition so I’m working to improve my cardio, as the variation I’m performing is very long! I am also striving to improve my pirouettes and balances.
I plan to move overseas in the near future, so my goal is to settle in as quickly as possible so I can work to perfect my technique and develop my artistry.