From dancing her way through beloved roles in The Nutcracker to lending her voice to the Notre Dame Folk Choir, senior Sophie Valencia has spent much of her life immersed in the performing arts. A dedicated DPAC ambassador since her sophomore year, Sophie brings both passion and perspective to the arts community at Notre Dame.
In this Student Spotlight, Sophie reflects on her journey—from her early days as a young dancer to her time on campus attending performances, studying film, and sharing her love for the arts with others.
What role(s) do you play in the performing arts community at Notre Dame?
During my freshman year, I sang in the Notre Dame Folk Choir. I also have been a DPAC ambassador since my sophomore year.
What inspired you to pursue the performing arts, and how did you get started?
I’ve been immersed in the arts from a young age. My parents encouraged me to explore different passions, as both of my parents have musical talents of their own. I began dancing around age five and continued through high school, training at a professional ballet school while also exploring other styles like jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip-hop. My love for dance carried into high school, where I joined a show choir—a group that blends singing and choreography. Alongside dance, I started playing piano at five and took up the violin at ten. In high school, I became really involved in choir and performed in jazz choir, show choir, and honor choir.
Can you share a memorable moment that made you fall in love with the performing arts or your specific role in the arts?
In sixth grade, I played Alice in my school’s musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. The experience gave me the chance to connect with students outside my grade, as I worked closely with many different people during rehearsals and performances. One of my teachers, who co-directed the show, became a mentor to me, and our bond grew stronger throughout the production. It also became a special family project as my mom helped with costumes and decorating the school. I felt deeply supported by both my family and my friends, new and old. Performing in front of hundreds of people helped me gain a sense of confidence I hadn’t felt before because I realized I could sing and dance on stage and truly enjoy it.
Do you have a favorite performance (whether you attended or participated in), role, or project you’ve worked on? Why was it special to you?
During my years in dance, one of the highlights was performing in my studio’s annual production of The Nutcracker, which quickly became one of my favorite holiday traditions. Every weekend, I’d rehearse the choreography for my role—starting at age six as a mischievous little mouse scurrying through the battle between the rats and soldiers. By high school, I had worked my way up to dancing as one of the elegant flowers in the “Waltz of the Flowers.” These performances brought so much joy, especially since they were held in a beautifully decorated historic mansion in downtown Des Moines, complete with Christmas cookies and ornaments for sale. Sharing that magical experience with my dance studio friends made the holidays feel even more special, and The Nutcracker became a ballet that held a very special place in my heart.
How has DPAC influenced your experience with the arts at ND?
DPAC has played a pivotal role in shaping my performing arts experience at Notre Dame. As a freshman, my group used some of its halls as rehearsal spaces while preparing to tour our newly released album. As a DPAC ambassador, I’ve had the joy of attending numerous performances that have brightened my weekends and given me the chance to share my love for the arts with others. I also took a film course at DPAC, which offered a fascinating introduction to cinema, an area of the performing arts I hadn’t explored much before.
What advice would you give to a new student interested in getting involved in the arts at ND?
I think it’s important to do some research before you arrive at school because some groups audition before the school year! For example, the Folk Choir held virtual auditions during the summer before my freshman year and held in-person auditions during welcome week. However, sometimes groups also have rolling auditions throughout the school year; it just depends on the group! Definitely don’t be afraid to get involved; it’s a great way to make new friends and find a group of people who share the same passions.
As Sophie prepares to graduate, she leaves behind a legacy of enthusiasm, artistry, and warmth. Through dance, music, and her ambassador role, she has inspired others to embrace both creativity and community. Sophie reminds us that the arts at Notre Dame offer something for everyone—and as her story shows, they have the power to shape not just a college experience, but a lifelong love of expression.
