Sophia Gamboa
Ethnicity: Filipino
Occupation and/or Company: I am a part of a Vancouver art collective/movement called Immigrant Lessons for two years.
Years of experience: I have been dancing for nine years and I have been dancing professionally for five years.
Personal & professional philosophy:
I always ask myself, “Do I really want this?” before I dive into anything because once I decide on what I truly want for myself and the environment I live in, I have to be loyal to it. And you have to have integrity. You have to be very real with yourself.
Upcoming performances/project:
This year, we (Immigrant Lessons) are working on an hour-long show at the end of October and called “Immigrant Lessons 101″. It shows what people of colour go through as immigrants. It’s going to be raw. It’s going to be controversial. It’s going to be vulnerable and belligerent at the same time. More information on Vines can be found at www.vinesartfestival.com
What is the highlight of your work?
To be inspired constantly by the people I get to work with and meet along the way. I am blessed to be able to acquire little bits of wisdom and knowledge from each and every unique soul I’ve encountered.
Future goals:
Ultimately, I want to build and open a dance/art academy for the street kids in the Philippines. Life is more than just living day by day. I was born and raised in Manila, so I know what it was like growing up poor in a third world country. I want kids there to dream endlessly. Life can be so much as long as you put your love into something positive and soul feeding.
