Dancing since the age of three and later studying at the world renowned dance facility Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, Sophia was probably always destined for a creative vocation. During her dance career she sustained many injuries, but with the help of Pilates always returned to full strength. Her own experience motivated her to train to teach Pilates so she could share the benefits she has personally experienced with more people.
How did your career as an instructor begin?
My very first experience of Pilates was when I attended the Royal Ballet Summer school aged 11. I didn’t know much about it then but when I completed my intensive Contemporary Dance training at Trinity Laban, Pilates was taught as a way of preventing injuries and support a dancer’s body which is when I saw first-hand the real impact it had. After graduating I wanted to keep injuries at bay as well as helping others so I began to teach group classes and one to one sessions. I’ve also taught Dance since the age of 16 so the two compliment each other well. .
What’s your five year career plan?
In five years I’d like to have completed more courses and increased my knowledge and experience in the fitness and world of art. I love new challenges and attending one-off events so I want to continue doing that too.
You specialise in Pilates, Dance and Barre, do you have a favourite of the three?
It is very hard to choose between the three genres, however I have been dancing since I was 3 years old so out of all the disciplines, dance feels as though it’s innate. Dance is very good for my soul and lets my creativity to flow.
What do you love about teaching in London?
London has got such a variety of studio’s, client’s and is the hub for pushing new ways of enjoying moving. At the moment, I can’t see myself teaching anywhere else, London has so much choice and is so unlike any other city!
If you could have any other job for a week, what would you do?
I would definitely do something creative, maybe interior design as I did Fine Art at school and I definitely appreciate a relaxing and personal home environment.
What are the best and worst things about working in fitness?
The best thing about my job is seeing my clients progress beyond what they thought was possible. I really don’t have many bad things, except the antisocial hours because working in this industry means very early mornings and late evenings.
How would you describe the way you teach?
I would describe myself as an adaptable instructor who can read the energy of a room and tailor the class on the spot to engage everyone. I’d also like to think that I’ve got a good energy and can demonstrate the exercises to a high level with clear and concise instruction, probably a takeaway from my years of dance training.
What do you think makes you unique as an instructor?
Personality! I have been to lots of different classes and for me the difference between an average and excellent instructor besides knowledge, qualifications etc is someone who can inject their personality into the class. If the instructor is lacking personality and/or passion it makes me less likely to give 100% in the class. So, I always try to be myself and motivate clients to do their best.
How often do you keep fit yourself when you’re not teaching?
I try to work out about 3 – 4 times per week depending on my teaching schedule. Currently, I do Ballet, cardio/ HIIT, my own Pilates and Barre exercises. I do try to mix it up by doing other things like Yoga, spin and Bollywood dance classes to keep my mind and body fresh and open to new experiences.
Find out more about Sophia and where she’s teaching.
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