Sonya started her professional dance career at the age of sixteen with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, where her career spanned twenty-one years. During that time she toured and performed with such stars as Peter Allen, Chita Rivera, Liberace, Ann Margaret, Tommy Tune,
Liza Minnelli, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Maurice Hines, Gregory Hines, Loretta Divine, Dick Van Dyke, Ben Vereen, Ginger Rogers, Sandy Duncan and others.

Sonya has appeared in numerous television specials such as “Night of 100 Stars I, II & III”, “Comic Relief I & II”, David Letterman’s 6th and 10th Anniversary Specials, the 1988 and 1993 “Super Bowl Halftime Shows”, The Today Show, Good Morning America and many
appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She has also appeared in national commercials for Diet Coke, L’eggs Pantyhose and the Television movie Legs starring Gwen Verdon.

In the “Great Radio City Spectacular”, in Las Vegas and on tour, Sonya assisted original director, Joe Layton, and subsequent directors, Maurice Hines and Bobby Longbottom. She was also Associate Rockette Choreographer and Dance Captain for the show. Sonya was the Rockette Choreographer for their performances on two episodes of Comedy Central’s “Viva Variety”, the 1996, 1997 & 1998 ESPN Victor Awards, TNT’s Prime Time Country and the Cable Vision Industrial in LA.   She was on the Faculty with Dance Theatre USA from 2009 thru 2012, Hoctor’s Dance Caravan from 1988 thru 1993 and again 2001 thru 2004 as a Master Class Teacher. From 2007-2009, Sonya was the Assistant Artistic Director for the Dance Chance program for the Tallahassee Ballet Company. During 2001 thru 2004 she was Co-Director of the Caravan Kids Program, which was a summer intensive program in all areas of dance providing young dancers the insight of life as a professional dancer. With Dance Records Inc. she has directed and choreographed educational dance videos and CD’s from pre-school to the professional level. Sonya has been guest faculty with the Canadian National Dance Teachers Association, Dance Masters of America, Dance Theatre USA, Point Park College, University of Las Vegas, Showstoppers, and many others.

With extensive experience in theatre and dance on the professional level, as well as being a Master Class Teacher and Choreographer, Sonya has gained a unique insight into the direction, choreography, and instruction of students from children to adults as well as professionals.  Among her many talents is the ability to teach the art she has so passionately practiced while inspiring students to achieve their best. Her energy and zest translates in her choreography as well as her teaching.

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Sonya has a wealth of experience and knowledge from her professional career performing, directing and choreographing. We are so excited that she has become a part of Panama City Ballet and is helping to guide us as we build this wonderful community organization!