In Conversation with Laurretta Summerscales
On motherhood, returning to ballet, and life in between.
At Sonata, we believe ballet is shaped not only on stage, but through the everyday - in routines, decisions, and the roles we carry beyond dance.
This Mother's Day, we speak with Laurretta Summerscales on navigating motherhood alongside a professional ballet career, and how both worlds continue to shape her.
Laurretta Summerscales
Laurretta is a Principal Dancer with the Bayerisches Staatsballett, known for her artistry, strength, and emotional depth on stage.
Based in Germany, she now balances the demands of her career with motherhood - navigating both with honesty and resilience.
Photo: Bayerische Staatsoper
On control, and perspective
Photo: Gherciu Serghei
Ballet is often shaped by others - teachers, directors, expectations. Has becoming a mother changed how you see yourself as a dancer?
"I feel a lot more proactive about the things I can do something about. I'm also better at brushing off situations where I have no control, I don't get caught up emotionally in smaller things the way I used to."
On perfection, and presence
Do you feel like you dance more honestly now - even if it's less 'perfect'?
"I've always felt like an honest dancer. But now, after everything I've experienced, maybe I come across differently.
Dancing is always changing, some days I feel stronger, some days not. But, in my eyes, being perfect is boring. It's not something I strive for. Having character and personality on stage is much more beautiful for me."
Photo: Jack Devant
On returning to ballet
What was the hardest part of returning after having your daughter - physically or mentally?
"I don't think I can separate the two, they really interlink.
I returned after about two months. Looking back, it was quite fast, but I also know if I had waited longer, it might have been harder to come back."
Photo: Miljana Bernal
On doubt, and rediscovery
Was there a moment you questioned if you could still be the same dancer again?
"Oh yes, definitely. Any insecurities I had before were magnified.
But at the same time, I felt liberated too. I care less about what others think now, and the joy of dancing is very present."
On the reality behind the routine
What does your day actually look like now?
"My day starts around 7.30am, getting Analeia ready, heading out by 8.30am."
"Class begins at 10am, followed by rehearsals until around 6pm."
"Evenings are for time with her before bed, then I wind down before sleeping."
With long rehearsal hours and constant movement, comfort becomes essential, pieces that move with the body, from morning warm-ups to the final run-through.
On balancing roles
Have you ever felt like you were failing at one role while trying to show up for the other?
"Yes, definitely, most of the time.
But I know she's surrounded by good people, and that gives me peace."
Photo: Miljana Bernal
On what really matters
When your daughter watches you dance, what do you hope she understands?
"I don't expect anything from her. But when she's older, I would love for her to feel proud.
More importantly, I just want her to be happy and to be a kind person."
Photo: Miljana Bernal
On the unseen reality
What is the reality of ballet career that young dancers don't see?
"You have to enjoy the everyday, the hard work and the process.
Social media only shows the best movements."
On the studio today
What do you value most in your time in the studio now?
“Having good quality time with my partners and coaches, and enjoying the work.
Also, simple things matter, a good pair of pointe shoes and comfortable leotards help me feel my best and dance my best."
Designed for the hours no one sees - the warm-ups, the rehearsals, and the return.
On what she hopes to pass on
What do you hope your daughter learns from watching your journey?
"That you must work hard for what you want. If you want to be good at something, you must practice.
Don't give up when it gets difficult. Keep going and fight for what makes you happy."
Photo: Miljana Bernal
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