I had the opportunity recently to ask Sofia Yarbrough some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sofia is an incredible dancer, she graces the stage with grace and poise, her passion and dedication to ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dance a bit late, I took my first ballet class at age 10.

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I currently dance at Ballet Center of Fort Worth in Fort Worth Texas. I also have trained at Kirov Academy of Ballet and I’m about enter my freshman year at Butler University where I will be studying ballet.

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I started pointe at age 12.

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I currently wear Suffolk Stellar pointe shoes.

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I first started taking ballet because there was a fine arts school in my town that I really wanted to go to. At age 10 I loved to act and sing and though this school would be perfect for me. The only problem was, the students were required to audition in theater, music, and dance. After learning this, my mom immediately enrolled me in ballet. When I learned of my acceptance to this school my mom said I could stop taking ballet, but I didn’t want to. I stopped acting and singing and focused all of my time on ballet.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

The answer to this question is constantly changing for me, currently my favorite variation is Nikiya’s death from La Bayadere.

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

My dream company is Dutch National in Amsterdam.

Q8: Do you have a favourite memory/moment in ballet?

My favorite moment in ballet is that feeling right after you perform. You feel energized and this huge rush of adrenaline, there is no other feeling like it in the world.

Q9: Who are your ballet roles models? Dancers that inspire you.

Svetlana Zakharova, Natalia Osipova, and Olga Smirnova are my role models.

Q10: Best advice you’ve ever received from a teacher?

When you are trying to draw inspiration for a character, draw from real life experiences for inspiration.

Q11: Classical or romantic tutu?

I love romantic tutus.

Q12: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my time off I love to travel and experience new things, environments, and food.