Sophie Williams shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sophie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day almost always begin with ballet class. It’s a grounding ritual for every dancer — starting with pliés and building steadily to my favorite, grand allegro. Class is like medicine for the body: it helps you find your balance, check your placement, and prepare for the day of rehearsals ahead.
It’s also a daily opportunity to tune into your body — to notice how you’re feeling, tend to any injuries you’re managing, and stay committed to the lifelong process of refining your technique. That time is essential, both physically and mentally, and sets the tone for everything that follows.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sophie Williams, and I’m the founder and artistic director of Pointeworks — a nonprofit ballet company based in Southern California. Pointeworks was born from a desire to create meaningful off-season opportunities for professional dancers and choreographers, to highlight the work of female artists, and to bring vibrant, world-class ballet to Southern California.
At our core, we’re committed to providing essential employment and creative platforms that help artists further their careers and deepen their voices in the field. As we prepare for our third season, we’re continuing to expand a supportive, artist-centered community — one that values innovation, collaboration, and the transformative power of live performance.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My first ballet teachers, Sara Viale and Erlends Zieminch at Ballet Arte, saw me clearly before I could see myself. They were my biggest supporters — not in an overly effusive or sugarcoated way, but in a deeply grounded and honest one. They taught me that the most important thing is to simply show up in the studio every day and give 100%. Whether you place in the competition, get the contract or the role, or don’t — if you can walk away knowing you gave it your best, that’s enough.
They ingrained in me the belief that the studio is a safe space — a place to do the work, stay true to yourself, and keep showing up no matter what phase of your career you’re in. Whether things are going well and you’re getting cast in the repertoire, or you’re in a season of uncertainty and auditions, the work is always there. That mindset has carried me through every chapter of my career, and I’m so grateful they helped lay that foundation.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the importance of dignity — and just how vital it is to be treated with respect as an artist. As dancers, we give so much of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. And yet, it’s all too common to feel undervalued, replaceable, or disrespected — even though we are the heart of the work. We are the ones on stage bringing the vision to life, and every single dancer, even the last person in the corps de ballet, deserves to be seen and valued for their work.
I’ve experienced the pain of unjust casting, career instability, year-to-year contracts with no security, and long layoff periods. I’ve also watched my peers and colleagues — incredibly talented, dedicated artists — be dealt an unfair hand, over and over again. And that collective experience is what drove me to create Pointeworks.
I wanted to build a company where dancers come first. Where artists are not only given opportunities, but also respect, transparency, and support. Pointeworks was born out of a deep desire to change the culture — to create a space where dancers can thrive, feel valued, and do the work they love without having to sacrifice their well-being or self-worth.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to creating a space where artists are valued, supported, and inspired — and where female voices are amplified both on stage and behind the scenes. That’s the heart of Pointeworks.
Ballet has long been shaped by tradition, and while there’s beauty in that, there’s also a pressing need for evolution. I believe in pushing for a more equitable, inclusive, and artist-centered model — one that doesn’t just spotlight the final performance, but deeply values the people who make it possible.
I’m especially passionate about supporting women choreographers in ballet, who are still vastly underrepresented in major companies. Through Pointeworks, we commission new work, build collaborative environments, and provide meaningful employment during the off-season — all to create a culture where artists can thrive and grow.
I’m committed to this mission because I really truly love ballet. It’s a dying art that needs to stay relevant — and that starts with making it fair. Investing in artists, especially women, is how we change its future.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely — I love the work, and I love being in the studio! I’m honestly living my dream come true. Of course, there are challenges — the full admin load, marketing, building an audience, grant writing, development, and finding funds to support the artists. But I no fuller joy than in everything artistic, from the studio to the stage!
As for tap dancing to work? Not exactly — it’s more like full-on bourrée-ing all the way! (A more ballet-appropriate term) That kind of excitement, that passion for what I do, has been with me throughout my career, and it keeps me motivated every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pointeworks.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointe_works/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointework
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@POINTEWORKS
Image Credits
Hannah Cox
