Few people can say that they have been dancing for 13 years as a freshman in high school. But for Sophia Pullara, dance has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. 

Pullara has been dancing for 13 years and competing for 10. In the span of her dance career, she’s won numerous titles, first place awards, and scholarships for her solos and group performances. 

Pullara’s mother owns Dance Fusion in Tyrone, which has played a large part in Pullara’s dance career. It’s probably the biggest reason dance for her is a way of life.

“I think it definitely shaped me into who I am today,” Pullara said. 

When she was only a month old,  Pullara’s mother was already bringing her along to dance competitions. She has grown up on the stage and in the dance studio since then. 

“I wouldn’t want it any other way. I think the way I grew up sets me apart from other dancers,” she said. 

Pullara’s career, however, is not exclusive to her mother’s studio. She also goes to many dance conventions and takes classes at other studios. 

Pullara’s favorite thing about dancing is being able to express herself through movement and not words. Her favorite style is contemporary and she enjoys performing solos. 

Even though dance consumes an enormous amount of her time, Pullara isn’t a one-dimensional teenager. Last spring she was a standout on the junior high track and field team in sprints and jumps, and she is an active member of St. Matthew Church. She’s also an honor student who became a freshman class officer in October.

But although she has other interests to fuel her fire, her passion for the art of dance isn’t fading as high school proceeds.

“My love for dance only grows stronger as time goes on,” Pullara says. 

Pullara hopes to dance in college, and she wants to dance on a cruise ship when she gets older. After that, she wants to come back to Dance Fusion to help choreograph dances and run the studio.