The Ailey School

Born in Seattle, Washington, Sophia Ortega was raised in Southern California and began dancing at age four. Early in her dance training, Sophia attended summer intensives such as Joffrey Ballet School’s Contemporary Ballet Program, where she was a scholarship award recipient two years in a row, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Advanced Program. In California, she was selected to choreograph and perform an original solo for the dedication of the Christ Cathedral. Sophia has performed and taught classes in Colombia with JUNTOS Collective, learning choreography by Alivia Schaffer, Owen Scarlet, and Autumn Eckman.  Sophia graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program with a BFA in Dance and BA in English. While at Fordham University, she performed in the ballet ensemble at the annual Lessons and Carols Festival choreographed by Karen Arceneaux. At The Ailey School, she has danced works by Pedro Ruiz, Natalie Lomonte, and Jamar Roberts. In addition to dancing, Sophia is a published writer in several literary and arts magazines.