Dance Student Spotlight: Sofia

My name is Sofia and I am 12 years old. I live in Cypress, TX and I dance at Hintze Dance Center.

@sofia.ma.kre

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I began dancing at 3.5, and quickly realized stomping around in tap shoes was my “thing”. My studio was geared to tap. And there, my fire for dance began. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel challenged or noticed for the growth I began to show. I felt constantly misplaced, and my frustration grew strong. After 7 years there, I moved studios. I immediately noticed a change. The expectation level was high, and I felt challenged to meet it! I felt better than I had in years. I still take private lessons from my tap mentor from my old studio though. She believes in me and pushes me to tap at such a high level. At my new studio, my abilities in other dance styles have improved to meet my tap level. I love all styles of dance, but Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop are my jam. I think it’s important to not stay stuck in a place that’s not good for you. Leaving friends or feeling disloyal shouldn’t stop you from doing what you have to in order to achieve your goals.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

I am so very lucky to have the support of my parents. When I spent a couple of years feeling dismissed, they helped guide me to my decision to find another place to dance. It was very hard to move, but it turned out to be the best thing. I think stepping into the unknown is always hard, but you have to take the road less traveled to reach the reward!

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

Around April 2021, I got injured in my back and hips. I was in constant, debilitating pain. I couldn’t sit in a chair for longer than a few minutes and had to do school online from a bed. I started therapy via a chiropractor, but after 6 weeks, I wasn’t better. The ortho ordered physical therapy. I had had a big growth spurt, and my muscles were so strong my bones couldn’t keep up. It was “a perfect storm” of events. I went to PT 3 times a week for 4 months, then once a week since. I did acupuncture and all kinds of strength training. I couldn’t dance for a couple of months. I was able to add one tap class mid-summer. Life was hard. I am pretty well recovered now, but I still have hip pain a couple of times a month. I had to cut back my dance schedule for this season, but I know it’s for the best. I know next season will be great with a healthy body!

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

I felt limited at my old studio. I tried to always be the hardest worker in the class and even took private lessons to advance my skills. I was just always misplaced. After meetings about placements and little results, we moved studios. I’m in classes now that meet my abilities and challenge them. How can any dancer grow if they aren’t challenged?

How do you conquer negative talk?

My mom says I am lucky because I have the ability to not internalize negative talk. It just flows off me like water off a duck. I just don’t listen to it. I don’t take stalk in it. I guess I consider the source, haha.

What is your favorite quote?

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

I am attending my first Nationals competition this summer! I have a tap and jazz solo. I also have a tap duet and group dances. I am obsessed with my dances and can’t wait to compete with them! They are so me!