We were delighted to welcome Merritt Moore to school to speak about how she combines her academic studies (she’s just completed her PhD in Quantum Physics at Oxford University) with touring the world as a professional ballerina. 

She was extremely honest, open and engaging as she spoke to students about her successes as well as her failures, and how important it was for her to know she had given 100%. “My greatest fear is of feeling regret that I could have achieved something if only I’d tried harder. I have to look back at the things I’ve tried knowing that I’ve done my very best.”   

She also described the connection between science and arts saying, “You have to be extremely creative in both – especially in science if you’re to make new discoveries and solve problems. I take the experimentalist approach of being a scientist in a laboratory into the dance studio with me.” 

In terms of work ethic she told the girls, “Every hour of work you put in will always pay off”, and by working hard at school and doing well in exams, “you keep doors open.” 

The talk finished with a Q and A session.  

Merritt has also appeared on the BBC2 TV programme Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?, was listed in the 2018 Forbes Top 30 under 30 Arts and Culture list, and is featured in the Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls book, which features stories about extraordinary women.