Tell us a little bit about yourself :)
My name is Nina and I'm from Russia. I work as a model, so sports certainly became an essential part of my life. Not only because the profession obliges me, rather because I enjoy it very much - being in harmony with my body. I adore stretching and I love dancing very much, so it's not surprising that I’ve chose ballet as one of my sports.
How did you get introduced to ballet?
It was my mother who brought me to dance classes for the first time, she really wanted me to be engaged in ballroom dancing. I worked hard, tried not to miss classes, from time to time looking into the next room, where they taught ballet.
I really liked how they pointed toes, how beautifully they arched, and I definitely wanted to learn the same. It didn’t take long to make decision, after a short persuasion my mother agreed and I was transferred to ballet classes.
When did ballet get “serious”?
I worked hard, but my present life has not become connected with the ballet. Although, I do not regret it at all, it was an excellent experience for me, not only as a body transformation, but also as a character transformation. After all, any sport teaches us great endurance and willpower.
So in my case, my ballet lessons taught me to always strive for the best result and achieve my goals. Probably, thanks to this, I became a model.
Can you share your biggest challenges ?
Probably the biggest problem for me has always been my own laziness. Sometimes it seemed to me that nothing terrible would happen if I missed one lesson, and then another one, etc. But this is the biggest mistake on the way. It all starts with these little weaknesses, which in the future take possession of you more and more and you come to the point where you clearly see that you are moving away from your dream.
Never let laziness take possession of you! Drive it away and motivate yourself only to succeed!
How do you handle pressure?
My trainings do not put pressure me, on the contrary, I enjoy them and training is a way for me to relax. Though, probably like everyone, I have times when I want to leave everything, but this is only a momentary decision... Every time overcoming it you become stronger.
Can you share your thoughts on self consciousness?
I remember, I was very nervous during exams. But honestly, being nervous you will not get anything good. Any performance is the same thing you do in the class, only you do this in public. Remember when you do your best. That's right, when you get pleasure from what you do! So get it during your performance, and the success will not be long in coming.
What was your most embarrassing moment (in regards to your ballet of course ;)
I do not remember any pretty funny moments in my life connected with the ballet. But I remember well the other thing. In my childhood I also played tennis, and at one of the trainings we played with a partner throwing a ball against a wall.
At one point, we ran after the ball at the same time, he did not notice me and his racket hit my face full force. Then I came home without two front teeth, and a thin scar on the lip still reminds me of this story.
How did ballet influence your life in other ways?
Any sport has a huge impact on the life of any person. It forms the character. You become more demanding with yourself and always strive for best results. As for me, my trainings have formed a great willpower and I realized that any future success in my life will depend only on me, my commitment and my desire to act and succeed.
What does your daily routine look like ?
During the day I work, like most people, it's good that being a model I have to move a lot and often visit several places in a day. But I finish my own day with a short stretching. I try to find about an hour a day for sports and train about five times a week.
If I do not work longer - my body begins to feel worse, I even experience withdrawal symptoms as my body asks me to warm up properly.
And what about your flexibility training ? Where does that fit in ?
I want to say, that in any case, in order to avoid injuries and to achieve the best result, one should train with a professional. Although, there is no need to take the most expensive instructor for yourself. I am sure, there are stretching or pilates classes in any fitness center, one may start with this perhaps. When you begin to feel your body, you can train alone, stretching certain muscle groups.
What keeps you motivated?
First of all, my reflection in the mirror motivates me. Every day I want to be better than I was yesterday. I do not aspire to compete with someone and I haven't believed in photoshopped pictures for a long time.
Try to excel only yourself and do everything solely for yourself, this is the best motivation.
What are your future plans/goals/dreams?
Honestly, my main dream is not related to sports. I dream of becoming a writer. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that our body and spirit are inseparably connected with each other, so my training will not go away from my life, I know this for sure.
To stay always in excellent shape is also a kind of goal for me.
Any tips for passionate people starting out ballet ?
Never be afraid of anything and believe that there is nothing impossible in life! Any result is the result of your efforts and actions only. So, if you want to achieve something you should act! Why not to try to begin right now?
Anything you’d like to share?
- Instagram @ninadeliya
Ballet Dancer
Instagram @ninadeliya