What experience did you have of training back in Newcastle? Any painful moments (physically, mentally, emotionally)?
It was a big change going from taking ballet class three or four times a week to doing it all day six days a week. Physically, it took a couple of months for all the aches and pains to work through. Sometimes it was quite scary because as a young dancer I didn't know how to take care of my body, or what to do when my body started to hurt. It wasn't just ballet technique I was learning, it was the whole lifestyle of being a dancer.

What's the best scene in The Nutcracker?
My favorite scene in the Nutcracker is the snow scene. The music is the most magical in the whole ballet, and indeed some of the best ballet music going around. The way it comes together with the choreography and scenery, and finally when the actual snowflakes fall from the sky, it really takes your breath away.

How do you stay on top of your game when it comes to dancing?
Stress is one of the most dangerous aspects of being a dancer. Dancing is always a very personal thing. You are your instrument and if you’re having a bad day or receive some criticism (constructive or otherwise), you feel it because it is you that's out there doing it. This leads to stress and when you're stressed your body simply doesn't work as well, and the cycle continues and then you end up injured. To combat the stress I think it is essential to do things, other than dance, in my down-time.

Diet also plays a big part in staying healthy and on top of your game. People always assume that dancers have to limit what they eat but the opposite is true. If you were exercising over 40 hours a week you wouldn't want to hold back.

What’s the most challenging dance genre?
It's difficult to separate which dance forms are easier than any other because it depends so much on the individual dancer. Different dance styles require the dancer to do different things and certain physiques are more suited to one style or another.

I do however think that classical ballet is certainly one of the hardest. It takes years to get to a level where you can be professional. I have been professional for over 10 years and I'm still trying to improve. It's the challenge that keeps me dancing. You can never be perfect but that is what we are all working for.

In your eyes, what’s the holy grail of dance?
It's successfully connecting with the audience and leaving them feeling like you have taken them on an unforgettable journey throughout the performance. There is a lot of communication between the dancer and the audience even though the audience may not be aware of it. We can tell from the stage whether the audience is with us as we are dancing. If they are, we perform better and the audience enjoys it even more—and so it keeps feeding on itself. It is really special when the audience and the dancers are both contributing and it is these moments that I find the most special.

The Nutcracker performs at The Esplanade Theatre from Dec 4-8 at various timings. Tickets at $30-$70 from Sistic.