I had the opportunity recently to ask Sofia Ferrigno some questions about her journey as a ballerina. Sofia is a fantastic dancer, she graces the stage with elegance and grace. Her love for ballet is phenomenal. Below are her responses.

Q1: When did you start ballet?

I started dancing at 5 1/2

Q2: Where do you currently dance?

I dance virtually right now and I’m not in any particular studio

Q3: How long have you been en pointe for?

I have been on pointe for 3 years

Q4: What pointe shoes do you currently wear?

I wear Nikolay Maya1 pointe shoes

Q5: How did you first get involved in ballet?

When I was 5 1/2 my sister noticed how flexible my feet were and how I could pointe my toes do she told my mom that she should bring me to ballet classes. I went to a small group class and after a few lessons the teacher asked to speak with my mom. She told her that I had really good feet and that I should be in a serious ballet school not just recreational classes.

Q6: What is your favourite variation?

Right now, Aurora Wedding Variation, but it changes all the time

Q7: What company would you love to work for?

Mariinsky Theater because my teacher danced there

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

It would have to be my first Nutcracker! Being in the theater performing on the stage was just magical

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

There are so many, but just to name a few,Maria Khoreva, Marlén Fuerte, Adiarys Almeida, Sylvie Guillem , Maya Plisetskya

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

Perform in each ballet class as if you were in front of an audience

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

Never compare your progress to anyone else’s progress

Q12: Best thing about being a ballerina?

Learning how to focus and be disciplined. Being able to perform and bring a character to life and hopefully make the audience happy

Q13: Hardest thing about being a ballerina?

Sore feet! And learning to trust yourself. Sometimes I’ll get on stage and for a second I won’t remember my variation! But as soon as the music starts my body remembers the movements

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”?

I’m only 12 so I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on anything yet. But I know this is what I want to do

Q15: Classical or romantic tutu?

Classical

Q16: Have you ever suffered a serious injury?

Thankfully no. I definitely cross train to keep my body strong and hopefully prevent injuries

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

I like to draw, read and play video games with my friends.