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

Sofia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I hope to be remembered as someone who helped open doors for people in my community. My goal is to inspire dancers from newer generations to dream big and believe that they can achieve their aspirations, no matter how difficult or impossible they may seem, and regardless of where they come from. Pursuing a professional dance career as someone from a South American country can feel incredibly discouraging at times. The opportunities often seem so far out of reach, and it’s easy to doubt whether you’ll ever make it. But I’m working to achieve those so-called ‘impossible’ goals, and I hope younger dancers will grow up knowing they can too.

Beyond that, I want to create spaces where they can train differently, giving them the tools and guidance to achieve their dreams and become exceptional dancers. I aim to contribute to making Chile a country the world looks up to in the field of dance.

Sofia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My dance journey began at 12, sparked by a simple summer course. Despite excelling academically and attending a prestigious school in Chile, I chose to pursue my passion for dance. By 15, I was traveling to refine my skills, teaching classes, and competing, while working tirelessly to fund my trips. My journey took me from Chile to Peru, Brasil and Argentina, and later to Los Angeles, where I trained with world-class dancers, broadening my perspective and honing my craft.

Over the years, I’ve worked on major productions like Lollapalooza, Telethon, and Viña del Mar Festival, and performed with artists such as Luis Fonsi, Dalex, and De La Ghetto. I’ve also represented Chile internationally, teaching at events in Peru, Argentina, and Mexico.

In 2023, my sister and I co-founded Núcleo, a dance company supporting over 50 professional dancers. Núcleo focuses on the professionalization of urban dance, offering high-quality training and job opportunities. Our dancers showcased their talent in halftime shows and entertainment performances at the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Chile, elevating the visibility of urban dance nationally.

Additionally, I’ve dedicated myself to creating spaces for young dancers to grow. Through hosting international workshops and bringing world-renowned teachers to Chile, we’ve provided South American dancers access to top-tier training without the need for expensive travel. With over 12 years of teaching experience, I remain committed to fostering the next generation of dancers and contributing to the professional dance scene in Chile.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the human connection. Dance has an incredible ability to transcend barriers, including language, culture, and geography. It allows me to communicate my most honest and authentic self, creating deep bonds with people from all walks of life. I’ve been fortunate to teach in countries like Peru, Argentina, and Mexico, where I’ve experienced the power of these connections firsthand. Each of those experiences has inspired me to continue growing, pushing myself to explore new places and share my art with more people.

What truly moves me is witnessing how art can touch and transform lives. In my community and through my travels, I’ve seen how dance can inspire confidence, bring people together, and create opportunities for growth. Knowing that my art can spark something meaningful in others—whether it’s motivation, joy, or even a new perspective—is the most precious gift. It reminds me that what we create doesn’t just stay with us; it ripples outward, becoming part of something much bigger. That shared growth and impact are what drive me to keep pursuing this path

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that there is only one definition of “success.” Often, as young people, we are shown a specific path to success: finish high school, go to college or university, get a degree, find a well-paid job, get married, have kids, and so on. However, as someone passionate about the arts and wanting to choose a different path, I had to disconnect from society’s narrow definition of success. I needed the courage and self-trust to know I could “make it” in life without a degree or following the same path as my childhood friends.

I also had to unlearn the idea of what a “successful dancer” should be. For a long time, I believed that success meant following the same career paths or milestones as dancers in countries with bigger, more established industries. But coming from a country where art is often undervalued as a career, I realized I couldn’t simply replicate their journeys—I had to create my own path.

This meant finding ways to build a thriving career within my own possibilities. I had to create opportunities where there were few, organizing workshops with international teachers to bring knowledge to my community, and hosting events like dance battles to provide spaces for others to grow. Traveling and studying became essential, not just for my own growth but so I could return and share what I learned with the new generation—offering them the kind of guidance and resources I wish I’d had when I was starting out.

Building a career this way has been challenging, but it’s also been deeply rewarding. It’s taught me that success isn’t about following someone else’s blueprint; it’s about carving your own way forward and lifting others along the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sofiagrille