Hi there, I’m Harriet and I am passionate and fun loving professional ballet dancer from England. After starting dance at the age of 3 and hating it at first, it grew to be a big passion of mine. With a lot of hard work and determination and the greatest support from my family, I made my way through 2 vocational dance schools and in 2010 graduated from The Royal Ballet School in London with my first job! I then decided to move to Germany for a new adventure and to pursue my career as a ballet dancer abroad!
Ever since then my world has grown and besides a new home, I made wonderful new friends and found the love of my life. I have met so many marvelous people, some of whom have become great friends and brighten up my day if my family is out of reach. I was lucky enough to meet my husband after a short time here and he has not left my side since.
My career has also taken off and I have advanced to Prima Ballerina with the Staatsballett Karlsruhe. I have performed many roles, ones I never even imagined I would have the opportunity to dance, such as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake or Myrtha, Queen of the Willis in Giselle. Through all these roles I have learned and developed so much, not only as a dancer but as a person too.
Being a dancer is a lot of fun! Having a passion for something at a young age and turning that into a job is what everyone would love to do. Admittedly, it was not always a walk in the park and there are days when it is really hard to get out of bed. However, my body has supported me through all these years and without it, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.
I think the lifestyle of a dancer has been perceived in many wrong and contradicting ways: either it is seen as a lifestyle of dedication and bleeding feet (which is sometimes true) or in contrast as a ‘hobby’ lifestyle with a salary. Although there is a kernel of truth in both views, we are after all normal people doing our job like everyone else. Therefore, with this blog, I want to share my experiences and let people know what it is really like to work in the world of dance showing what we dancers are really up to and that it takes discipline and a lot of determination to succeed in this world.
For those who love ballet and even do it themselves, I aim to give advice and tips on all things dance. From strengthening and stretching, ballet class and point work, stage and life experience to help and advice on avoiding and handling injuries. And I am sure much more in between.
I hope you enjoy my blog and if it brings you even the smallest amount of happiness or help, I will be dancing on my tippy toes. Enjoy, and contact me at any time!
With love,
Harriet