Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sophie Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sophie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Taking a risk with Aurora Skirts was both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a solo-run dancewear company, my goal was simple: to create bright, beautiful pieces that help ballerinas feel their best in rehearsals and studios. As a dancer myself, I know firsthand how much we rely on that extra boost of confidence.

Of course, there’s always fear when starting something new—wondering, will it work? Will people like it? But I focused on creating something I loved and was passionate about. As long as I put attention to detail into every piece and made something I was proud of, I believed there would be a place for it. And that’s how Aurora Skirts took off. One by one, dancers were intrigued by the designs—they were bold, striking, and made a statement. At the end of the day, that’s what we want our dancing to do, so why not start with the wardrobe?

Navigating everything on my own—from manufacturing to marketing—wasn’t easy, but seeing dancers embrace Aurora Skirts and gain confidence made the risk worth it. The experience taught me that persistence and believing in your vision are key, even when success isn’t guaranteed right away.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I founded Aurora Skirts in 2017 with the belief that each dancer deserves unique, beautiful dancewear. As a ballerina myself, I know how important it is to feel confident in the studio. My passion for sewing began back in 2014 while training at Miami City Ballet, where I started altering our bland uniforms, adding color and style to make us feel more empowered. That passion grew, leading me to design skirts that brighten up rehearsal spaces.

Throughout my dance journey, which has taken me across 13 ballet companies worldwide, Aurora Skirts has been with me every step of the way. Armed with a suitcase and a sewing machine, I’ve blended my love for dance with my creativity to craft something truly special.

In 2022, I moved to Fort Worth and joined Texas Ballet Theater. When I’m not dancing, I’m designing, sewing, and running Aurora Skirts—all by hand, with a focus on sustainability. I use recycled fabrics, carbon-neutral shipping, and partner with local artists on collaborative designs. Aurora Skirts mixes fashion and art to create timeless, eco-friendly dancewear.

What started as a passion project has grown into something magical. Walk into any ballet studio today, and you’ll likely spot one of my skirts!

I’ve also had the privilege of working with artists like Ukrainian refugee Janet Pulcho and dancer-artist Claire Glavin, creating pieces that support causes like Ukraine relief and ocean conservation. Through Aurora Skirts, I aim to make the world brighter with both art and sustainability.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

We need the arts in our society just as much as we need sciences, doctors, and engineers. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I received was that while those fields help us survive and advance, the arts feed our souls and make life worth living. The arts enrich our lives, providing meaning, beauty, and connection. To foster a thriving creative ecosystem, we must support and uplift one another, teaching appreciation for the arts from a young age through exposure and encouragement. Society can further support artists by investing in arts education, providing accessible spaces to create and perform, and offering financial support through grants or fair wages. By creating opportunities for artists to collaborate and by promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts, we ensure that creativity flourishes, enriches our communities, and inspires future generations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is simply doing what I love. There’s a deep fulfillment that comes from turning my passion into something tangible, whether it’s through dance or designing. Creating allows me to express myself, connect with others, and make an impact—all while staying true to what I enjoy most. That sense of purpose and joy is what makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auroraskirts.com
• Instagram: @auroraskirts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auroraskirtsdancewear
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swilliams742/

Image Credits
Joamanuel Velazquez instagram @Joe.v.photography and Aurora Skirts instagram @auroraskirts Dancers Hannah Wood and Adeline Melcher