About Me
"Sophia dances through life with an air of infectious warmth that is tangible to those around her...[She] possesses a quality of compassion and drive that inspires those in her presence to rise to the occasion...[She] not only gets the job done, but does so with grace and respect.
Aïssatou Thiam
Choreographer, A Chorus Line
"No matter what life throws in the way, Sophia is resilient and continues to uplift others. Even through the most challenging of chapters, [she] chooses to find meaning and determination rather than giving up or setting for 'just enough.'"
Melvin Brandon Logan
Director, First Daughter Suite
Professor of Theatre Arts
Marymount Manhattan College
"Sophia is a natural leader - she is compassionate yet firm in her teaching style while also providing structure and high energy to whatever space she's in. She is able to creatively explain high level concepts to any level of student and takes the time to know them personally in order to customize her approach."
Brooks Shatraw
Program Director
Ogunquit Playhouse Arts Academy 2024
Yes, you heard right! I do math in my free time...
When I was five years old, I was introduced to musicals through both Oliver! and The Amazing Human Body. Ever since then, I've been hooked on telling stories. My love has stemmed from the trueness of human feeling (years of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Physics classes can attest). I am fascinated by the explainable and unexplainable parts of human life, love, and existence. But, enough with existentialism...
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I was practically raised in any type of studio I could find (dance and choir alike). I started dance classes just before first grade, and eventually spent 6 days a week in a studio, taking ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, and anything else possible.
That busy schedule kept me focused and disciplined: I graduated from Marymount Manhattan's Honors College program Magna Cum Laude. Being well-rounded in my knowledge is incredibly important to me.
And, yes, that sometimes means doing math for fun.
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Performing at the Ogunquit Playhouse from the ages of 9-17 inspired me to pursue performing as a career, as well as encouraged me to start to teach. Getting to perform and direct in an educational setting, often on the same stage that taught me how to be brave and grounded, has been quite the full-circle experience.
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Balancing my personal life with my performance and creative life has always been a priority of mine - and nature has always been such a huge stress release and comfort for me. Whenever I feel disconnected, I'll remind myself what it feels like to breathe in fresh air, feel rain on my face, swim in the ocean, and/or hike to the top of something to take in its view. I've been known to run around in the pouring rain with a big smile - even in the city. Connecting to the earth is so important to who I am. It reminds me of the basis of why we all create art: to feel.
​As a performer and director, but also just as a human, I strive to make everyone feel like they can be their whole, unabashed selves in my presence. Life is too short for us to hold back from the joy.
