Saying Yes, Making Connections & Backing Yourself with Sophia - The Cooldown Podcast

What if you didn't start dancing when you were two? What if your path into the industry looked completely different from everyone else's? This week on The Cooldown, BeBe chats with Sophia K, whose journey has taken her from competitive gymnastics on the Gold Coast to professional dance jobs in India, four years living in London, music videos, TV sets, content creation and plenty of unexpected opportunities along the way. Sophia didn't even start dancing until she was 16, but within a few years she was working professionally overseas. She shares what it was like walking into full-time dance surrounded by people who had trained their whole lives, taking two years away from dance and finding the courage to start again. And that first class back in London? It eventually led to a job in an Ed Sheeran and Russ music video! BeBe and Sophia also get real about auditions, comparison, making connections and why being genuinely happy for other people's success matters in an industry where everyone's journey looks different. In this episode: ✨ How Sophia accidentally discovered gymnastics and trained for 12 years ✨ Starting dance at 16 and jumping into full-time training ✨ Booking her first professional contract at 18 ✨ Working on movies, music videos and commercials in India ✨ Moving to London and returning to dance after two years away ✨ How introducing herself after class led to an Ed Sheeran music video ✨ Why networking and making genuine connections really matters ✨ The audition feedback Sophia wishes more dancers received ✨ Her hilarious experiences working as an extra on London sets ✨ Appearing in a Sidemen video with KSI and suddenly gaining thousands of followers ✨ Moving into content creation, events and red carpets ✨ Combining her gymnastics and dance knowledge as a teacher ✨ Why comparing your career to somebody else's makes no sense ✨ Sophia's dream of travelling the world choreographing gymnastics floor routines One of our favourite takeaways: "Always be yourself and don't dim your light. Keep positive and keep going." Sophia's story is such a great reminder that there isn't one "right" way to build a career in the performing arts. You can start later. You can take time away. You can change direction. And sometimes simply walking up to a teacher after class and saying thank you can lead somewhere you never expected. About Sophia K Sophia K is a former competitive gymnast, dancer, teacher and content creator originally from the Gold Coast. After 12 years of gymnastics, she began dancing at 16 before moving quickly into full-time training and professional work. Her career has taken her from Australia to India and London, with experiences spanning dance contracts, movies, commercials, music videos, extra work and online content. After returning to Australia, Sophia has brought together her gymnastics and dance experience through teaching, with a goal of travelling internationally to choreograph gymnastics floor routines. About The Cooldown The Cooldown with BeBe is your backstage pass to the world of dance and performing arts. BeBe chats with dancers, choreographers, teachers, industry professionals and young performers about the real stories behind their careers—the opportunities, funny moments, challenges and lessons you don't always see on stage or social media. Whether you're dreaming of a professional career, figuring out where you fit in the industry or simply love all things dance, there's a place for you here. 🎧 Follow The Cooldown so you never miss an episode. ⭐ Loved Sophia's story? Share this episode with a dancer who needs the reminder that you don't have to follow the same path as everyone else to get where you want to go. See you next episode! 💜