Dance Student Spotlight: Sophie

My name is Sophie, 8, and I live in Hong Kong. I go to Otarova Aynagul ballet coaching.

@sophie_honey_ballerina

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

I started dancing when I was about 3, and it was something fun to do. I always liked it but didn’t fall in love with dancing until I was 6. I decided to train more seriously, and the more I did, the greater the passion I found. I am still young, but my dream would be to become a professional dancer and be able to spread the love of dancing to more people.

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?

No, for sure, especially with ballet, as it is the foundation of every dance, and it is the hardest. It takes lots of determination, decoration, and grit. Yet hard work alone does not do. You also have to have talent. I am slowly understanding and still learning to understand all of these while finding setbacks at times too, as I was injured with collapsed arch on one of my feet, along with other problems with my physical facility. But the love of dance is leading me forward.

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

The problem with finding good ballet schools in Hong Kong is they are mostly just RAD, yet I love the Russian style. And it took me a long time before I found my teacher, who helped me a lot in changing my bad habits and transforming my physical strength and mentality in dance.

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

Yes, in a way along the journey (even though still short) of dancing, I was given the snubbing, the reproachful attitude at different points of time in the past when I was still trying to understand how to dance as a young beginner. It took just time, perseverance, and encouragement to better myself.

How do you conquer negative talk?

I try to ignore it, but of course, it is still a learning curve.

What is your favorite quote?

"Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting." - Joyce Meyer
My mom showed me this quote and had it written on a box she gave me.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

Upcoming in the summer is my first ever summer intensive at Bolshoi, Connecticut, and I’m so excited about it.