Student Profile: Sophia, Year 10

Student Profile: Sophia, Year 10 Our student profile this week is Sophia from Year 10. Our student profile this week is Sophia from Year 10. Below Sophia gives us an introduction to herself and her interest in ballet.

Hi, my name is Sophia, I'm 15 years old and from Switzerland.

Since I was 3 years old, I discovered the passion for classic ballet. After the first start in London at the age of 5, I have danced in ‘Atelier Rainbow Tanzkunst’ in Zurich with over 600 students dancing either ballet, hip hop, contemporary or jazz. Every 2 years we performed, during a 2 week program, a vast show and I always enjoyed participating.  Amazing to be with other students and I especially loved the beautiful costumes. I sometimes miss dancing on a large stage in front of a huge audience.

I also started to dance on point shoes for over 3 years now. At the beginning it was hard and painful but now I really enjoy it.  

Since I came to Abu Dhabi last February 2018, I go to ‘Motion Studios of Performing Arts’ in Al Zeina to continue dancing ballet. At the beginning I did not really enjoy it, because not many students were dancing ballet. I was often alone in class. But after last summer, a new tutor joined: Victoria, and also new students joined my class. Since then, I started to like ballet again and made new friends.  

Recently we had a competition in Dubai at the UAE Teen Sports and Fitness Awards. This was an amazing experience for me to compete against other dance schools. We worked really hard on this piece which included ballet, contemporary and hip hop. 

Our performance was a combination of aforementioned dance styles ,hence to me was the main reason why we succeeded to win the best dancing academy award in UAE 2019. 

At first when we arrived in Dubai, it was really hot. When we met the other schools we thought our chance of winning wasn’t big because there were so many students in each school, and we were the smallest ones. After our 15 min rehearsals on the stage and believe me, it wasn’t the best stage, it was hard to dance, especially with point shoes, the material wasn’t good. During that period I also had pain in my left foot because my toe nail fell off.  I pushed myself through it and I told myself; Sophia, you can do this, is one in a life opportunity!

After a long wait, it was finally our turn among 5 finalists. Everybody looked at us and were stunned about our special and beautiful costumes. All the other school had the same one but we had our own special one, I had this beautiful, white Tutu and I loved it, I felt special, like a prima ballerina. 

Finally, I was on stage and about to dance with all my passion. I enjoyed it and after it was sadly over, I was proud of myself and my team. All were applauding and I had the biggest smile on my face, all of the teachers came up to us and told us how amazing we did, and I agree, we all did!

We changed into a nice gala dress code.  Finally the jury made their decision and the award announcing session started. When our category turn arrived, I was petrified. They started from position 5, 4, 3... and the winner is…. Motion Studios of Performing Arts! What a feeling, we all jumped up and hugged each other and were so happy! Our parents came right after and they were so proud of us all! When we got on stage, I felt so proud of myself and to see all these people applauding and cheering for us! It was amazing. This day I will never forget, and it will always be part of my life and journey. 

After all, I finally felt strong and passionate about ballet again and I knew I belonged to this school, which gave me this amazing opportunity and others in the future! 

Sophia, Year 10