Student Life

Sophia Is On Pointe

Senior Sophia Kainz first enrolled at Mount Dora School of Ballet at the age of three, the same time that she started at MDCA’s preschool. "I have been blessed to train under Mrs. Kathryn Wheeler, who has been an extraordinary mentor in my life."

Sophia has now been dancing for fourteen years. "I enjoy the shared athleticism and gracefulness that ballet has. I believe that it has strengthened my discipline and focus, which has also translated into my academic life at MDCA."

"It can be very difficult to balance my school work with my ballet schedule. It is always a challenge when I have my performances and finals in the same week. Ballet has taught me about time management and improved my efficiency. My favorite thing about ballet is being able to express myself in an art form and perform for others."

This past May, Sophia played the lead role in Cinderella. "It was a dream come true," said Sophia. This was a great opportunity for her to be able to perform alongside a professional partner from Orlando Ballet. In the past five years, she has spent her summers training in New York City, NY; Nashville, TN; Jackson, MS; and Philadelphia, PA. This past summer, she went to the renowned Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. for five weeks. "It was an exciting experience being taught by some of the best Russian teachers and being surrounded by dancers from all over the world."

Sophia is looking forward to her next performance in The Nutcracker. She will be performing in December at the community center in downtown Mount Dora. In the future, Sophia would love to pursue dance in college while continuing her studies in science and medicine. "I am thankful for ballet and grateful for the impact it has made on who I am today."