Sophia Lucia Explained

Sophia Lucia

Sophia Lucia is an American dancer. Described as a "phenom" by multiple media publications, she holds the Guinness World Record for most consecutive pirouettes. She is also known for her appearance on the reality television show Dance Moms.

Early life

Sophia Lucia was born to mother Jackie Lucia. She is from Poway, California, United States. She began dancing at the age of two at San Diego Dance Centre, which is owned by her cousin Kristen Hibbs.[1] Lucia moved to Arizona to train in ballet. She joined Phoenix's Master Ballet Academy in 2015 or 2016. She has also danced at Phoenix Ballet as a volunteer.

Career

In January 2012, a video of Lucia performing 40 turns was uploaded to YouTube. It went viral, garnering over 800,000 views by February 2013.[2] The video was also sent to The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Her mother recalled that a representative "called back in a week and said, 'We have to have her on the show. Lucia performed a tap dance in the "hidden talent" portion of a February 2012 episode. She also briefly made an appearance in the reality television series Dance Moms as one of Abby Lee Miller's "replacement" dancers. In 2013, Lucia broke the Guinness World Record for most consecutive pirouettes at age 10 after completing 55 turns,[3] [4] [5] surpassing Alicia Clifton's record of 36.[6] The following year, she was named the Junior Female Best Dancer at the Dance Awards in New York City. At age 13, she portrayed the Harlequin Doll in Phoenix Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at Orpheum Theatre. In a review, Kerry Lengel of AZCentral said she played the role "with humor and aplomb".[7]

Public image

Multiple media publications have described Lucia as a "phenom".[8] [9] According to the magazine Dance Spirit, Lucia's rapid rise to fame was due to her "top-notch technique and unreal flexibility", as well as her appearance on Dance Moms.[10] Her ballet teacher Rachel Sebastian stated that she exhibits the "perfect storm" of natural talent and tenacity that helps her turn well. Lengel partially credited the popularity of Phoenix Ballet's The Nutcracker to Lucia and her fame from reality television.[11]

Credits

YearTitleRoleNotes
2012Shake It UpDancerEpisode: "Copy Kat It Up"
2012, 2016The Ellen DeGeneres ShowHerself2 episodes
2012–2013Dance MomsHerself5 episodes
2013Dancing with the StarsHerself1 episode
2013America's Got TalentHerself1 episode
2015Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & DawnRussian kidEpisode: "I Want Candace"
2015The NutcrackerHarlequin DollAt Orpheum Theatre
2016So You Think You Can DanceHerselfContestant (season 13); 3 episodes
2016A Nutcracker ChristmasSadieTelevision film
2022GummiesCathyIndustry reading at Open Jar Studios

Awards

AwardYearCategoryResult
The Dance Awards2014Junior Female Best Dancer
Guinness World Records2013Most consecutive contemporary dance pirouettes
Youth America Grand Prix2016Classical Dance – Women (Junior)
Contemporary Dance (Junior)
Pas de deux (Classical) (with William Jackson Beckham)

Notes and References

  1. Web site: POWAY: 9-year-old dancer eyes world record for pirouettes. Gary. Warth. February 12, 2012. December 14, 2022. The San Diego Union-Tribune.
  2. Meet Sophia Lucia!. Sophia. Lucia. February 20, 2013. Dance Spirit.
  3. Web site: Pirouette champ turns heads on 'DWTS'. Diane. Bell. May 15, 2013. December 14, 2022. The San Diego Union-Tribune.
  4. Web site: Inside the High-Drama World of Youth Competition Dance. Lizzie. Feidelson. December 21, 2017. December 14, 2022. The New York Times.
  5. News: Kids break fitness Guinness world records with Mia Hamm at 'Fit Made Fun Day'. Sarah. Polus. October 6, 2014. The Washington Post. December 12, 2022.
  6. Web site: Sophia Lucia Sets New Guinness World Record for Pirouettes!. Dance Spirit. March 31, 2013. December 12, 2022.
  7. Web site: Dance review: 3 'Nutcrackers' in Phoenix range from so-so to spectacular. Kerry. Lengel. December 22, 2015. December 17, 2022. AZCentral.
  8. Web site: Phoenix Ballet mixes classical discipline, reality-TV flair . Kerry. Lengel. May 12, 2015. December 17, 2022. AZCentral.
  9. Dancing with the Stars recap: Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson eliminated. Annie. Barrett. May 15, 2013. December 17, 2022. Entertainment Weekly.
  10. 10 Quick Questions with Sophia Lucia. Alison Feller. Sophia. Lucia. November 6, 2017. December 14, 2022. Dance Spirit.
  11. Web site: Holiday dance guide: Not just 'Nutcrackers'. Kerry. Lengel. November 22, 2015. December 17, 2022. AZCentral.