End of Summer: A Fresh Start for Dancers and Teachers

We spend so much time looking forward to summer—the long days, the sunshine, the chance to unwind with family and friends. But in the blink of an eye, it’s over. As we say goodbye to those carefree days, the weight of returning to normal routines starts to creep in. For dancers, this means gearing up for another season—getting back into shape, leaving loved ones behind again, and preparing for the challenges that a new school year or company season may bring. I remember those feelings well.

There’s a sense of bittersweet anticipation that always comes with the start of something new. But it’s also exciting: new teachers, new roles, new skills to unlock. It’s a time for growth and learning, and while it may feel overwhelming at first, it’s full of potential.

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Returning to the Studio: Mixed Emotions as a Teacher

Now, as a teacher, I find myself experiencing those same mixed emotions when it’s time to return to my work after a break. Being a freelance dance teacher brings its own set of challenges. It feels like a new beginning each time I step back into the studio, an opportunity to grow, discover new teaching methods, and help my students develop their own skills. But alongside the excitement, there’s always a lingering uncertainty.

Freelancing means relying on others to keep my work and income going, which can be stressful. There’s also the constant effort of getting myself known and staying visible in the dance community. And, like many of you, I’m also balancing the demands of family life. Being a new mum, a wife, and a teacher requires a delicate balancing act, and sometimes it feels like I’m being pulled in too many directions.

But here’s the thing—these challenges are part of the journey. And with each new season, I’m reminded that they are opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

Embracing the Transition: A Time for Growth

As we all prepare to return to our routines, I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge your feelings—whether it’s nervousness, excitement, or a mix of both. These emotions are valid, and they are part of what makes this time of year so special.

It’s natural to feel some anxiety about the unknown, but try to embrace the idea that anything is possible. We have the power to influence how the return to routine unfolds, and how we approach it will shape the season ahead. Let’s use the energy of those long, beautiful summer days to push us through the colder, darker months with positivity and determination.

Moving Forward with a Summer Mindset

As I look ahead, I feel a sense of appreciation for the opportunities that I have had and that are coming—for the chance to combine my dance career with teaching, for the continuous support of my family, and for the resilience that has helped me navigate the ups and downs in the past and that will help me face the ones to come in freelance life. I know that challenges will come, but with a determined mindset and a focus on what I can control, I feel ready to tackle them.

Ballet dancer & teacher in studio

To my fellow dancers and teachers, as we step back into our routines, let’s approach this time with a positive outlook. Embrace the new roles, the new skills, and the opportunities this season brings. When challenges arise, face them head-on, knowing that each one is a chance to grow and learn.

Here’s to a fresh start and a fulfilling season ahead—one filled with growth, joy, and plenty of dancing.

With love,

Harriet xx

Reclaiming my Passion

My little daughter and myself in Italy



It’s been a long, long time since I last wrote to you, and so much has changed since then. Life has taken me on a whirlwind journey, one that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. As I sit here, in the serene beauty of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, staying in a magnificent hotel that once was an ancient castle, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about the future.

A New Chapter Begins

The past few months have been nothing short of a roller coaster. In February, I took the plunge and started my new career as a dance teacher. After years of gracing the stage as a professional ballerina, transitioning to teaching was both a natural progression and a completely new adventure. My love for dance runs deep, and I wanted to share that passion with a new generation of dancers.

Starting my dance classes has been a mix of triumphs and trials. Some classes filled up quickly, brimming with enthusiastic students eager to learn the art of ballet. Other classes have required more effort to attract attendance, but I see this as part of the journey. Every student, every class, is a step forward, and I am committed to making each lesson a memorable experience for my pupils.

The Joys of Motherhood

Adding to the excitement, my life was blessed with the arrival of my beautiful daughter. Motherhood has been the most profound and life-altering experience. It has brought immense joy, countless sleepless nights, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Balancing my new role as a mother with my passion for dance has been challenging, but every smile from my daughter makes it all worthwhile.

A Much-Needed Break

This holiday in Emilia-Romagna couldn’t have come at a better time. The past few months have been a whirlwind, and I desperately needed a break to recharge and reconnect with myself. Our hotel, nestled in an ancient castle, feels like something out of a fairy tale. The old stone walls, the breathtaking views, and the rich history of the place create an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.

Italy, with its warm, inviting culture, has always held a special place in my heart. Here in Emilia-Romagna, the rolling hills, the vibrant vineyards, and the charming towns offer the perfect backdrop for a much-needed retreat. This region is a feast for the senses, from the delicious cuisine to the melodic Italian language that fills the air.

Finding Balance

During this holiday, I’ve had the luxury of time – something that has been scarce in recent months. Time to relax, to reflect, and to dream about the future. It’s been a precious opportunity to find balance in my life once again. As a new mother, it’s easy to lose oneself in the demands of caring for a newborn. This trip has allowed me to reconnect with my own needs and desires.

Every morning, I take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, breathing in the crisp, fresh air and soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside. These moments of solitude have been incredibly restorative. They remind me of the importance of self-care and the need to nurture my own well-being in order to be the best mother, wife, and teacher I can be.

Embracing the Future

As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. My return to the world of dance, now as a teacher, has reignited my passion in ways I never expected. Seeing my students grow and develop their own love for ballet is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me of why I fell in love with dance in the first place – the grace, the discipline, and the sheer joy of movement.

I am also eager to continue my journey as a mother, watching my daughter grow and discovering the world through her eyes. This new chapter of my life is a beautiful blend of my past and my present, combining my love for dance with the deep, unconditional love I have for my family.

Gratitude and Reflection

Sitting here in this ancient castle, surrounded by the timeless beauty of Emilia-Romagna, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had, for the support of my loving husband, and for the gift of being a mother. Life has been a series of unexpected twists and turns, but each moment has brought me to where I am today.

I am grateful for the challenges, for they have made me stronger. I am grateful for the successes, for they have reaffirmed my passion. And I am grateful for this holiday, which has given me the time and space to reflect on my journey and to dream about the future.

A Message to My Readers

To my loyal readers who have followed my journey, thank you for your patience and support. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. I hope that my story can inspire others who may be facing their own challenges. Life is a dance, full of unexpected steps and turns, but with perseverance and passion, we can find our rhythm and move forward with grace.

As I continue my holiday in this enchanting part of Italy, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose. I am ready to embrace the future with open arms, to continue sharing my love for dance with my students, and to cherish every moment with my precious family. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and I am excited to see where the dance of life takes me next.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more stories, more insights, and more moments of joy with you in the months and years to come.

With love and gratitude,

Finding My Feet in Salzburg

Want to know how things are going here in Salzburg? Read about the new and wonderful time I am having with the Landestheater Salzburg

I have been part of the Landestheater Salzburg for almost two months now and am definitely on my way to feeling settled. The new routine is becoming my norm but still fresh enough to be interesting, and the people that now fill my days are all making life enjoyable and welcoming.

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In our rehearsal studios in Salzburg

I feel cosy in my cute little apartment, filled with leftover furniture and comforting photos of friends and family. I am adapting to the very different timetable here where we work through rather than having a split working day. We begin at 10am with training followed by morning rehearsals till 14pm, a half-hour lunch break and continue with rehearsals until 5pm. When we start performing it will be a little different, but for now, I am really liking this way of working.

❝This is a big ballet to create so a lot of interesting work is going into this part of the process❞

Before I joined the company I admit I was a little worried about this change as I couldn’t imagine not having the long afternoon break I have grown comfortable too, but now I really appreciate having the evenings to relax and recover for the next day. Our bodies have so much more time to recuperate and it also gives us the feeling of a ‘normal life’; work is done at 5pm, time to enjoy dinner, meeting friends or an evening at home. Continue reading “Finding My Feet in Salzburg”

Ask Me Anything

Sharing a video answering ten questions about me and my ballerina life for an ‘Ask Me Anything’

The life of a Ballerina can be quite an interesting one and very different to any other lifestyle there is. As I love sharing with you what I get up to through my blog and social media, I wanted to do an ‘Ask Me Anything’ to answer some of the many questions people are often wondering about us dancers.

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Performing one of my favourite roles ‘Juliet’ with Juliano Tuscano as my ‘Romeo’ (Photo: Admill Kuyler)

I got a great response through Instagram and some amazing questions, so much so I think I may have to turn this video into a series of videos to give as many answers as possible.

Thank you to everyone who asked me something, I loved answering them and it is also a great way to inspire me on things I should write about for the future. If anyone out there has a question for a ballerina please write to me and ask, I would be honoured to answer. 

Hope you enjoy the video and keep your eyes open for more.

With love,

Harriet

A Bali of Life

Holiday time

Everybody needs a holiday, and dancers are no different. It is always something we look forward to, and I mean really look forward to. It’s a time when our bodies and minds can take a well-earned break and recuperate. We can let go and relax. We can forget about work, about dance for a week or two. And I have to tell you, it feels good.img_1573

It is so important that we give our bodies time to rest. We work them so much and push past pains that could be bothering us for a long time so a mid-season break could be just what we need to recover from our tough timetable. It is also quite refreshing to have some time away from the studio. Being inside the same four walls is not good for anyone, and the studio is a place dancers have to love. It is a place for hard work and creation, and for that to happen we don’t want to be climbing the walls but rather filling the place with our passion. Having time away can remind us how good it can be to come back.

Continue reading “A Bali of Life”

A Very Merry Christmas

🎄I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with love and happiness.🎄

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Enjoy your festive season hopefully surrounded by loved ones. I will be dancing this evening along with my fellow colleagues spreading the dancing joy of The Nutcracker.

Have a wonderful day where ever you are and remember to be grateful for the most wonderful time of the year.

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

With love,

Harriet

“Dance Has to be Done by You and For You” – My First Interview

An interview with Alexandra Krohn

A few weeks ago I was asked by Alex if I would like to take part in her interview series about young creatives and their way of life for her blog page ‘Alex In Allem’, and of course, very flattered I said yes.

It was a great experience to work with her interesting questions and in the end, I found answering them showed me how much I have learnt through my life and helped me see my life as it is now. It was a really good exercise for me to express my past experiences and question my future ones. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Find below the link to the interview – originally in English but translated into German for her page (a treat for all my German friends):

Mind Over Matter: Harriet

Ein Interviewreihe über junge Kreative und ihre Art zu Leben.

Alexandra Krohn

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❝Tanzen kann verdammt hart sein. Du musst es wirklich wollen und mit einem fröhlichen Geist bei der Sache sein. Dann kannst du es schaffen.❞


And for the benefit of everyone else, here is the interview in English:

Mind Over Matter: Harriet

An interview series about young creatives and their way of life Alexandra Krohn

Alexandra Krohn

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❝I get so much out of working hard and improving, but I thrive off encouragement.❞

Alex: Hello Harriet. Will you give us a sneak peek into your most unconventional training method? Continue reading ““Dance Has to be Done by You and For You” – My First Interview”

Sisters Dancing Through Childhood

From the moment we could walk we chose to dance instead

A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to have my sister visit me for a few days so I thought it was the perfect time for me to introduce her to my story. Having known me for all my life and me being her much-awaited baby sister, and her my exemplary big sister, we are definitely two peas in a pod.

Growing up together Rebecca and I were very happy, busy girls. After school, our evenings were full of many hobbies and activities. You name it we did it. At the age of three, I joined my sister for ballet, tap, and jazz classes every Saturday with Lynn McCheyne. It was actually not something I loved at first, only doing it because my sister did, so we never imagined that chubby little Harriet would become a professional ballerina.

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Continue reading “Sisters Dancing Through Childhood”

Every End is a New Beginning

So today is the last day of my long summer holidays and the day before the ballet season starts again. I cannot believe that my holidays – six weeks in five countries  – are already over. A daily routine will soon be here and I find myself in a studio instead of a beach.

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Me & friends from the company, Marseille

However, the hardest part is not regaining the previous strength, the discipline, or the long and late hours of work. The most difficult part at the end of every summer is saying goodbye to my family. Continue reading “Every End is a New Beginning”