You may have seen her face gracing the pages of our socials or featured in some of our recent campaigns, but this long-legged beauty is more than just a pretty face. From a young age, Zoe Cavedon had an idea that dance would be the career path for her. Combine that passion and determination, with hard work and a strive for perfection, the opportunities that Zoe has been presented with are second to none. From dancing in a ballet company in the United States at just 17 years of age, to touring internationally and performing in ballet galas around the world, you can’t deny the talent and artistry Zoe possesses. Just as apparent as her skill as a performer, the radiant warmth and kindness Zoe exudes makes her a pleasure to be around and extremely deserving of her star-on-the-rise status. Sharing how she deals with the ebbs and flows of life and how nothing is ever for certain, we had a chat with Zoe about her career, future plans and words of advice to other dancers. Read on to learn more about this kind-spirited dancer and see her feature in our latest Luna Collection.

Zoe wears the Freya Camisole in Wheat and the Pivot 360 Tech Fit in Beige

Energetiks: How did your dance journey begin?

Zoe Cavedon: My mother had a huge passion for dance when she was young and didn’t hesitate to enrol me into the dance classes that were ironically taught by her old dance teacher. I was captivated from the beginning. Being highly competitive from a young age, perfecting my technique was always such a fun challenge for me and I found tasks like learning the correct ballet terms intriguing. Of course ballet being the art form it is means it’s forever evolving. There has always been a higher level for me to reach for, or a different goal to achieve, which eventually led me to my career path.

E: Can you tell us about your YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix) experience?

Z: The word that comes to mind when I think about my YAGP experience is ‘heightened’. It would still be up there with one of the most intense weeks of my life. Whilst everything was heightened, including my nerves, it was an enriching experience. Spending the week in New York City running to and from iconic dance venues for classes and rehearsals was crazy. I met so many people from around the world that I am still in contact with and of course was granted the opportunity to pursue and complete my full time training overseas. One vivid memory was during the scholarship master class at Ellison Dance Studios. It was a time where I felt I could truly show myself as the dancer, opposed to the one minute and thirty second variation on stage.

Zoe wears the Alexandra Camisole in black from the Luna Collection with the Footless Classic Dance Tight in black. Ned wears the Jax Legging in black from the Luna Collection.

E: What was it like dancing with the Sarasota Ballet Company in Florida, USA, at just 17 years of age?

Although I was only 17 years old, I was ready to dive in head first to company life. Adapting from a strict full time training program where everything up to having the perfect bun and uniform was a must, to debating whether to wear my tights over or under my leotard was still quite the contrast. Being so young, it took some time for me to let my personality show through my dancing but in saying that, I learnt to mature very quickly. Your first year is a chance to show that you can handle being put under pressure and show you are ready and able for whatever role that’s presented to you.

E: You’ve also danced with Projection Dance Company with Tim Podesta. What has that been like?

Z: Dancing at Projection Dance with Tim Podesta has been awesome. Tim’s artistic principles have created a company that allows the dancers to explore and step out of their comfort zones. I have had some incredible career highlights dancing with the company including performing at International Ballet Galas.

Zoe wears the Adele Camisole in Luna from the Luna Collection and the Darcey Half Tutu in white. Ned wears the Jax Legging in black from the Luna Collection.

E: Is there a dance style that you feel really resonates with you?

Z: I would have to say that classical ballet is what resonates with me most!

E: Aside from dance, how else do you maintain your physicality?

Z: I love training outside of the studio. I do a mixture of cardio, weight training and functional/HIIT circuits which are personally my favourite, especially when I can work out with others that push my fitness. I enjoy a hot yoga class every now and again, it gets a good sweat going and stretching afterwards when you are nice and warm is honestly the most satisfying thing!

E: What goals or aspirations do you have for the future?

Z: I usually keep track of my goals in a bullet journal. Having a clear vision has usually been helpful in my journey but this year has been a true testament to the fact that life can often be uncertain. Currently I am just aspiring to stay fit, happy, and healthy by moving my body every single day and nourishing it well so I will be prepared for whatever the future holds.

Zoe wears the Astrid 3/4 Sleeve Top in black and the Astrid High Waist Brief in Luna from the Luna Collection. Ned wears the Jax Bike Short in black from the Luna Collection.

E: Any guilty pleasures?

Z: Absolutely! I love to treat myself to a bit of black forest Cadbury chocolate every now and again. I will also tell anyone who is willing to listen to watch the show “Outlander” on Netflix. If you have seen it, you will know why the Scottish Highlands are now number one on my list of travel destinations.

E: How do you like to start your day?

Luckily I have a little puppy now that doubles as my alarm clock every morning. She gets me up and out of bed pretty early which is the best start to a morning routine. Once I have taken care of her, I like to put some music on and make my bed. I have found blasting the tunes has definitely helped make this less of a chore and just puts me in a better mood to go about my day. Ideally I like to get a workout or a walk in before my morning coffee which is always an iced latte on soy, no matter how cold it is outside!

Zoe wears the Astrid 3/4 Sleeve Top in Luna and the Darcey Half Tutu in white from the Luna Collection. Ned wears the Jax Legging in black from the Luna Collection.

E: And finally, any words of advice for other aspiring dancers?

Z: Work intelligently. There is a difference between working hard and over-working yourself. We have a tendency to want things really quickly in our society and will actually hurt our bodies in the process. If you are younger and growing, you are guaranteed to have a few niggles and pains so just make sure you are able to recognise the difference between sore and pain or just ask anyway. Not everyone in your class has to experience things at the exact same rate so, just make sure you focus on your end goal and what benefits you the most.