Meet Sophie Grabau

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sophie Grabau a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Sophie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic has been deeply shaped by the values my parents instilled in me from a young age. They’ve always been my biggest supporters and role models, teaching me that the only way to reach the places I want to go in life is through hard work, determination, and persistence. I remember my dad’s words every morning as he’d send me off to school: “Carpe Diem”-seize the day. This simple phrase became a daily reminder to make the most of every opportunity, to stay focused and to face each challenge head-on.
Whenever I felt like giving up, my parents were there to remind me that success doesn’t happen overnight and that the journey is just as important as the destination. Their encouragement helped me stay determined and excited about facing obstacles, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Beyond my parents, dance has played a huge role in shaping my work ethic. Dance taught me the value of patience, consistency, and resilience. It’s a discipline that requires time, effort, and perseverance to improve. I’ve learned that no matter how many times I stumble or fall, the key is to get back up and keep going. The process of learning, refining and perfecting a routine has shown me that growth takes time, but the results are worth the effort.
In addition to the personal lessons dance has taught me, it has also introduced me to incredible mentors who have inspired and pushed me to work harder. These teachers have shown me what it means to be dedicated, not just in dance but in every aspect of life. Their passion and commitment have encouraged me to aim higher, to set challenging goals, and to never settle for anything less than my best.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a professional dancer and dance instructor, but my journey with dance didn’t start off smoothly. In fact, when I first began as a child, I hated it. I would often get kicked out of classes for being a disturbance because I couldn’t stop crying. It wasn’t until I was older that I reconnected with dance and fell in love with it, realizing it was something I truly wanted to pursue. Despite starting later than most of my peers and feeling behind, my passion for dance never wavered.

In my sophomore year of high school, I got the incredible opportunity to be on *World of Dance* Season 4. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to see how the dance industry works while meeting and learning from insanely talented dancers. After graduating, I chose not to go the traditional college route. Instead, I joined the CLI Conservatory, a prestigious dance program directed by Teddy Forance, in East Hampton, Massachusetts. I spent nine months working with renowned choreographers, and performed in an end-of-year showcase with pieces choreographed by Shannon Lewis, Chaz Buzan, Teddy Forance, Brian Nicholson, and Liana Blackburn. One of my highlights was teaching a CLI Studios class that went viral on TikTok, amassing 3.1 million views.

Following that, I moved to California to join the Bridge into the Industry program under the direction of Shannon Mather. Learning from her and Nicole Smith was a dream come true, and they became like family to me. That year brought incredible opportunities—I joined Jaci Royal’s company, Royal Flux, where I’m now in my second year performing in films and shows. I also had the chance to assist Galen Hooks for her On Demand series and Shannon Mather at the 24/7 Dance Convention. To top it off, I signed with Bloc Talent Agency, which has opened even more doors for me.

Currently, I teach at Mather Dance Company, travel across the U.S. to assist and set choreography, and continue to audition for opportunities to land my dream dance jobs. Life is exciting, and I’m incredibly grateful that I get to live my passion for dance every day.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Throughout my journey, three qualities that have been most impactful to me are kindness, resilience, and communication. These traits have shaped not only my career but also how I navigate life’s challenges. Kindness is something I hold close to my heart; I’ve always believed in being genuine and letting my heart guide me. In an industry that can be competitive, staying true to yourself and treating others with kindness makes a lasting impact. Resilience has also been a cornerstone of my journey. I’m still young and constantly learning, but I’ve never been one to give up. No matter how many setbacks I face, I stay motivated and inspired. It’s important to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who uplift you and help you maintain a strong work ethic. Communication is another key quality, especially in the dance world. Knowing how to promote yourself, connect with others, and build relationships is essential. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning from them. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to always be yourself because you’re here for a reason. Never stop growing and adding new skills to your toolbox. Stay true to who you are, stay resilient, and embrace the connections you make along the way.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to believe in my dreams, even when they didn’t align with the traditional path. The industry I’m in is incredibly challenging, filled with uncertainty and competition, but they never once doubted me. Instead, they encouraged me to chase my passion for dance and supported me every step of the way, whether it was cheering me on from the sidelines, helping me navigate opportunities, or simply being there to offer words of encouragement. I couldn’t ask for better parents who pour so much love into me and have shaped me into the person I am today. Their unwavering support, faith in my abilities, and constant encouragement inspire me to never give up and always reach for the stars. I’m incredibly grateful for all they’ve done and continue to do for me, and I know I’m truly lucky to have them by my side.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sophiegrabau_

Image Credits

Claire Imler
Geo Santillan
Liz Tiamzon