Human Interest

After Dancing in Spain and Moscow, Sofia Wolf Sets Her Sights on Ballet Stardom

Published

7 months ago

08/17/2024

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After dancing in Spain and Moscow, Sofia Wolf is hungry for ballet

Fifteen-year-old Sofia Wolf, a dedicated student from Sedona, Arizona, embarked on an extraordinary summer journey to advance her ballet aspirations. Following her selection for a summer scholarship from the Sedona Dance Academy and intensive training with Ballet Arizona, Wolf traveled to her aunt Natasha Medvedeva’s studio, Viva La Danza, in Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia. Her passion for dance has fueled her ambition since she was just two years old.

Jessica Phillips, founder of the Sedona Dance Academy, emphasized the significance of summer training for aspiring ballet professionals. “Summer training starting from age 14 is crucial for creating your resume and gaining advanced training beyond local facilities,” Phillips stated. Having taught Wolf since the academy’s inception in January 2020, Phillips noted her student’s unwavering commitment to her ballet career.

Wolf’s Russian training experience was just the beginning of her summer. She next attended the Russian Masters Ballet Camp at the International Dance School in Alicante, Spain, from July 8 until July 27. This rigorous program involved five hours of training on six days each week. During the regular school year, Wolf maintains a demanding schedule, dedicating approximately 20 hours weekly to ballet while also exploring modern, jazz, and hip-hop styles.

Wolf’s proficiency in Russian, thanks to her family background, enhanced her trip. She not only connected with her relatives in Moscow but also translated for other students from over 30 countries while in Spain. “Visiting Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, home to some of the best ballerinas, was unforgettable,” Wolf shared.

Initially, Wolf dreamt of attending a summer intensive in New York City with hopes of joining the American Ballet Theatre. However, her family’s ties to Russia ultimately shaped her travel decisions. “Learning about diverse cultures and traditions was enlightening,” she remarked, recalling the lively atmosphere during soccer games in Spain, where the local passion for the sport was palpable.

In addition to her dance ambitions, Wolf has interests in sports medicine and its application to dance. She serves as the sophomore class president at Sedona Red Rock High School and is active in the Interact Club, all while anticipating the Sedona Dance Academy’s upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.”

As she reflects on her summer, Wolf offers advice to peers: “Don’t let things hold you back. It’s essential to step outside your comfort zone.” Looking ahead, she will participate in competitions in New York this year, as noted by Phillips, marking a significant milestone in her professional training.