Sophia Bunch, at 2022 graduate of Greenbrier East High School and daughter of Rick and Susan Leatherman of Lewisburg, recently signed to further her dancing career at West Virginia University beginning in the fall of 2022.
Bunch began dancing when she was three years old at Trillium Performing Arts and later started dancing at Valley Dance Studio in Lewisburg. She was part of the studio’s company dance group where she says she had many wonderful training opportunities.
During the summer of 2021, Bunch participated in the West Virginia University Summer Dance Academy where she instantly fell in love with the faculty and training facilities.
After participating in the academy, Bunch knew where she would continue dancing, instantly.
“I would say it was a somewhat easy choice,” Bunch said. “Like I mentioned, I had the opportunity to participate in the University’s Summer Dance Academy and I really loved it. That experience solidified my choice.”
Bunch had interest in other schools as well, but her infatuation with WVU had already sealed the deal in her mind.
“I looked into the UNC Chapel Hill dance program and the Ohio State University’s dance programs, but never took part in any dance workshops or camps,” Bunch said.
She auditioned to be part of the West Virginia University Dance Program in February 2022 and was accepted, receiving a merit scholarship from the program.
Dancing is a different type of activity and sport than football or basketball, but so much concentration and preparation goes into it. So, Bunch makes sure to prepare adequately before each time she steps out onto the floor.
“Definitely lots of stretching and conditioning. I really love Pilates and yoga and hope to also become certified in teaching classes soon,” Bunch said.
While she will not be performing at sporting events, there will be a “bunch” of other opportunities for her throughout her career.
“I will be part of the dance major program, so I won’t be performing at any games, but I will have a handful of showcases throughout the school year that I’m super excited for though,” Bunch stated.
With her goals in sight, Bunch is ready to get started as a dancing freshman in Morgantown.
What are those goals?
“Managing my time well, to always do my best, and take all the opportunities I’m offered,” Bunch said.
Bunch plans to major in dance and nutrition.
