We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sophie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of starting Pointeworks came from a desire to create more opportunities for dancers and artists, especially during the off-season. So much talent can go unnoticed or be underutilized outside of the main performance schedules, and I wanted to change that. Another driving factor was the importance of highlighting female voices, which are often underrepresented in the dance world. I saw a gap in not just gender representation but also in the innovative and cutting-edge ballet performances that could captivate and challenge audiences. By launching Pointeworks, I aimed to bring that energy to San Diego, particularly during the summer season when there’s typically less happening in the ballet community. It was about filling a void but also elevating the conversation around ballet and creating a platform for new artistic expression.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ballet has been my passion for as long as I can remember. It’s an art form rooted in tradition, which makes it all the more thrilling to create something new within it. With Pointeworks, I’m creating a platform that brings today’s voices to the stage while maintaining the classical vocabulary. That’s something unique we’re offering—honoring ballet’s heritage but also pushing its boundaries in fresh, exciting ways.
My professional journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and resilience. I started my career with Ballet San Jose, but six months into my first season, the company folded. From there, I danced with several companies across the U.S., including Oklahoma City Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, BalletMet, Complexions, and others. One of my biggest challenges came when the pandemic halted my contract with English National Ballet, but it led to an incredible opportunity with Royal New Zealand Ballet, where I connected with my Kiwi roots.
In 2022, after returning to the U.S. and joining Texas Ballet Theater, the idea for Pointeworks was sparked during a layoff week. I realized that a career in dance is too short and too precious to be limited to traditional 30-week contracts. I wanted to offer artists the chance to perform year-round, so I founded Pointeworks to create opportunities during the off-season. That night, I started the 501(c)(3) application to make this vision a reality.
Pointeworks is a labor of love. What sets us apart is our commitment to representing female voices and creating a space for new, innovative work. Our challenge now is finding community support to keep growing, but I have absolute faith in our dancers, choreographers, and the future of this company. We’re bringing something exciting and necessary to the ballet world and our San Diego community.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a fantastic two-day trip in San Diego, start with brunch in Del Mar, then hike the stunning trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve—it’s a must for its gorgeous beauty. In the afternoon, explore La Jolla Cove or visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. In the evening, catch a show at the La Jolla Music Society, where Pointeworks performs. These are some of my favorite San Diego spots.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sophie Williams: Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence of so many people who shaped my journey. First, I want to acknowledge all the dancers and directors I’ve worked with throughout my career. Every experience, every rehearsal, and every performance has taught me something valuable, both as an artist and as a person. I’ve learned so much from them, and I carry that inspiration into everything I do.
On a more personal level, I’m incredibly inspired by the leadership example set by my mother, Alexandra Newton. She’s a leader in her field of biochemistry and the president of the IUBMB. Watching her navigate her career with such passion and drive has always pushed me to lead with the same kind of vision and determination.
Lastly, my first ballet teachers, Sara Viale and Erlends Zieminch at Ballet Arte in Solana Beach, deserve a huge amount of recognition. They were the ones who instilled in me my first love of ballet and gave me the foundation I needed, both in technique and support, to truly pursue my dreams. I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without them.
Website: https://www.pointeworks.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointe_works/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swilliams742/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointework
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@POINTEWORKS