I had the chance recently to ask Sophia Jiang some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sophia is a fantastic dancer, she takes to the stage with great poise and grace. Her love for ballet is incredible. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started ballet when I was three

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance at The Conservatory of FWCD, and FWCD Ballet(FWCD=Fort Worth Country Day)

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been en pointe for a year and 3 months

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Russian Pointe muses! (love them!)

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

I was forced into it when I was three, and now I love doing ballet!

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Kitri Act 1, Esmerelda, and the Talisman

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

I would love to work at American Ballet Theatre in NYC!

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

My favorite memory would probably be getting pointe shoes and getting into the ABT SI NY for 2 years!

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

Dancers that inspire me are Zimmi Coker, Queen Shevy(Christine Shevchenko), Roberto Bolle, and Cassandra Trenary

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

Don’t beat yourself up if you mess up

Q11: Advise you’d give a young version of yourself?

Don’t get angry at yourself if you mess up, and listen to your body.

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Since ballet is versatile it helps in everything! Music, challenges the mind, and makes you exercise.

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

There is a mental and physical strain. Mentally there is the thought of not being good enough and asking yourself, “Why did I do it wrong?” physically it strains your body and makes you have a certain amount of time to dance.

Q14: It seems like such hard work, did you ever have days growing up where you were like “ugh maybe I’ll just pick an easier career so I can be like a normal teenager”?

Yes, there have been those days when you are frustrated with yourself. You may even miss lots of memorable events in life (like dances)

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical tutu all the way!

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

No injuries so far, (*knocks on wood).

Q17: What do you like to do when you aren’t dancing (your free time)?

In my free time I love helping out at my parents restaurants(we own 4), reading, and playing piano/cello.