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

Sophie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?

I draw a lot of my inspiration from leadership styles I’ve experienced firsthand as a dancer. Being in the arts, I’ve learned that the best environments are those where mutual respect and strong communication are at the forefront. I believe that a truly supportive space is one where every artist feels valued and heard, where there is respect not only for each other but also for the art form itself. This means honoring each person’s unique contribution to the creative process while also maintaining a shared commitment to excellence.

In my role as Artistic Director of Pointeworks, I strive to create an atmosphere that I would want to work in as an artist—one that fosters openness, creativity, and collaboration. I work hard to build an environment where each artist feels empowered to express themselves and where communication is clear, direct, and kind. By cultivating this atmosphere, I believe we bring out the best in each other, pushing boundaries artistically and supporting one another in reaching new heights.

In my experience, such an environment not only enhances individual growth but also elevates the entire company. When artists feel respected and supported, they’re more willing to take risks and engage deeply with the work. This collective energy is essential to the creative process and ultimately leads to performances that are both inspiring and impactful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in California with a deep love for ballet, and after years of performing internationally, I felt a strong pull to bring that experience back home. In 2023, I founded Pointeworks with the vision of elevating female voices and bringing cutting-edge ballet to San Diego. My own journey began at Ballet Arte Academy in Solana Beach, continued through Miami City Ballet’s Pre-Professional Division, and eventually took me to companies across the U.S. and internationally, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Through Pointeworks, I aim to bring equal representation to the stage by highlighting female voices and offering opportunities for artists during the off-season. My goal is to create a space where innovative ballet can thrive and where dancers, especially women, are celebrated for their strength, artistry, and individuality. I hope to provide a platform that not only connects with audiences but also empowers the artists behind the work.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I was faced with the struggle that many dancers endure during the off-season—trying to dance and find work between performance cycles. As a professional dancer, I experienced this myself and realized there was a gap in opportunities. In 2023, I founded Pointeworks to fill that void, offering dancers a chance to continue working and creating during the off-season. This not only allowed artists to stay financially stable but also provided a platform for fresh, innovative performances. It became a way to support the dance community year-round and empower artists to thrive outside traditional performance schedules.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation within the dance world has been built on a foundation of treating dancers and artists with respect, trust, and support. From the beginning, I’ve focused on being clear, upfront, and maintaining honest communication with everyone I work with. By creating an environment that is not only supportive but also collaborative, I’ve been able to foster a space where artists feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work. When artists know they’re in an environment that encourages creativity and mutual respect, they’re more excited to collaborate, which has helped build strong relationships and a positive reputation within the community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pointeworks.org
• Instagram: @pointe_works
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointework

Image Credits
Pointeworks