We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Claire Rosson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna Claire, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote, the one I write in all my senior’s graduation card, is an Emerson quote. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”. I like the reminder that no matter what we experience or encounter, that our character is what defines us. We try to teach that to the dancers here- that no matter their accomplishments in and out of the studio, we care way more about the people they become.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
SoZo Dance Academy is a full service, production based dance school located in Murfreesboro. We offer classes in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and lyrical. SoZo is a non-competition studio. We are known for our annual productions of “The Nutcracker” in association with the Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta, and other ballets such as “Coppelia,” “Jewels,” and “Giselle”.
SoZo dancers are dedicated, talented young women and gentlemen. We have overcome many challenges- everything from COVID to a studio move. It’s never easy, but, when you have a fabulous community, it’s all worth it.
Things we’ve learned along the way- it’s always good to stretch yourself! This applies to your body and your mind. We always want to push ourselves to be as flexible as possible, so we are ready to bend when the world tries to break us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take them to the Grand Ole Opry, I could take them to a show at TPAC, I would show them around Drift (a new hotel in Nashville with a golden toilet in honor of Elvis’ penthouse), and I would take them on a hike at Machine Falls or Fall Creek Falls. I love that we’re situated in a place where you can get to the city and get to nature easily. I also like Goodness Gracious and the Fountains at Gateway area (we do community performances there a couple times a year).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to The Webb School, especially Madame Moira Judas Smith. I learned so much about living my passion from Madame. She was our French teacher all through high school, and her love of horses, her students and all things French permeated her world, and therefore, my whole high school experience. She loved us like we were her own, and gave 100% in the classroom everyday. Most of my creativity in class comes from what I learned from Madame.

Website: https://www.sozodanceacademy.com

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Image Credits
ThrutheLyns Photography

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