Sophia Oddi

"Historically, dance has existed as a form of ritual, celebration, rebellion, and expression; there is power in movement. I believe that the work must begin internally in order to effect any real change, whether that be transmitting information through movement, or facilitating an environment for an audience-member to experience their own vulnerability. In order to transmit work of importance, I strive to live my life as a scholar, and to never shy away from working on myself and better understanding those around me. I believe in the power of dance to unite."

Born in Rome, and raised in Monte-Carlo, Sophia began dancing at a young age at her parents’ studio. Following her father around Italy as he taught and staged his work, and continuing to train with her mother, dance became a love language. Sophia eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she currently resides, and attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Upon graduating, she was accepted into the inaugural class of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, under the direction of Jodie Gates and William Forsythe. There, she performed works by Aszure Barton, Alejandro Cerrudo, Moncell Durden, William Forsythe, d. Sabela Grimes, Bill T. Jones, Jiri Kylian, Barak Marshall, Crystal Pite, Dwight Rhoden, and Paul Taylor. After attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance summer intensive, Sophia discovered her love for the Gaga movement language. She also attended Springboard Danse Montréal two years in a row, where she performed works by Simona Deaconescu, Margie Gillis, Ohad Naharin, and Micaela Taylor. Recently, Sophia attended Orsolina 28, where she dove deeply into the methodology and works of William Forsythe and Crystal Pite.