Senior to dance in college

Sophia Hall plans to take her dancing to the next level

Senior+to+dance+in+college

by MaryMichael Hough, photos by Siobhan Miller, alternative coverage by Hannah Bredar

 

Senior Sophia Hall has begun the college dance audition process. Hall is attending auditions at Park University in Pittsburgh, The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, New York University in New York City, Marymount Manhattan in New York City, Pace University in New York City and the Conservatory at UMKC.

 

Sophia started dancing at the age of three when her mom put her in classes at her studio. According to Sophia’s mom, Joni Hall, she was introduced to dance years prior to her first experience in a studio.

 

“She has been coming with me to the studio since before she was born and I would drag her to everything, so she just loved it and she wanted to be part of it,” Joni said.

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Joni danced professionally for the Kansas City Ballet for four years and has been teaching at Priscilla and Dana’s Dance Studio for 23 years. According to Sophia, although she would have discovered dance no matter what, her mother’s background lead to the studio earlier in her life.

 

“Well, I think at such a young age I just found a passion for it, and that was different that I had something that I loved so much when I was five.” Sophia said.

 

According to Sophia, before auditioning, she first had to be accepted into the college based on admission standards. At the auditions, she is taught ballet, modern technique, and jazz combinations. After a cut is made, if asked back, she is given a chance to perform a solo and be interviewed.

 

“My very first audition was pretty scary, just because I had no idea what to expect and it’s kind of intimidating,” Sophia said. “So it’s kind of scary to begin with, but then you get your feet underneath you.”

 

According to Sophia, her college experience will be different from other STA students because she will have to balance classes and academics with rehearsals. She claims that her goals, however, seem to be similar to many other college students.

 

“I think my goal is to be the most well-rounded that I can be,” Sophia said. “All of the programs that I’m looking at really train you for anything, so I’ll be able to take whatever job comes at me.”

 

According to Joni, Sophia will be successful in her dancing because of her desire and passion.

 

“I believe she has the talent for it,” Joni said. “I’m biased, but I do believe that she has the drive to push her and not take no for an answer. In this business there are so many nos, but you just have to hang on and know that there is a yes right around the corner.”

 

According to Sophia, being away at college and not having Joni close will prove to be difficult to adapt, but she’s looking forward to strengthening their relationship.

 

“It’s going to be weird not having her as my teacher,” Sophia said. “But it’s going to be really fun to be able to share our experiences with each other. She’s going to be as excited as I am about all my classes and the things I’m getting to do.”

 

Joni agrees with Sophia and is excited for have Sophia teach her new things that she can then pass on to her students.


“I hope our relationship will get stronger,” Joni said. “I can’t wait to learn from her. I can’t wait for her to come back from wherever she is and teach me more.”