Sophia Banadinovich - Class Of 2020
DANCER TURNED MODEL
Finishing an education during the pandemic contributed to many students feeling robbed of their final year, the accompanying memories and potential experiences. However, this loss allowed Alumna Sophia Banadinovich to place more value in the memories from the years prior, many of which lie in the leadership opportunities granted to her by the School, such as being a PAF Captain and a Year 12 Councillor. There are also many teachers to whom she owes much; namely her Year 12 English teacher, Ms Paatsch, and Year 12 coordinator, Ms Jaensch.
Despite feeling like she only graduated yesterday, Sophia has kept herself busy, particularly after the forced inactivity during the pandemic. She is currently completing a part-time Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne while also being a full-time dance student at Transit Dance. She is also a teacher at a dance school and has signed with the modelling agency, The Talent Buro.
At 20, Sophia is yet to feel like she has a clear and defined career path. Instead, she is throwing a million balls in the air and trusting something to land, while ensuring that she invests her time in areas in which she is passionate about and finds a sense of fulfilment. This attitude so far has led Sophia to several great experiences and opportunities, notably a role with Melbourne Fashion Week as a VIP Guest.
Her role with Melbourne Fashion Week was a highly valuable experience, teaching Sophia about marketing, promotional elements, media, and all that is behind the scenes in an event of a grand and international scale. Sophia is also proud of her achievements in her full-time dance course. Many people often underestimate the effort and challenges—both mentally and physically—involved in undertaking a dance course, as well as the commitment of time and energy. Sophia doubts it would be something achievable for her if she didn’t genuinely love dancing.
Sophia’s life is busy, with very little spare time. Her dance training takes up 40 hours a week, and she has to factor in her university commitments, work, and social life. However, she prioritises time for her body to rest and recover, to catch up with friends, and usually manages to bake as well!
Sophia is currently investing energy to build off the momentum gained during her role in Melbourne Fashion Week and hopes that can lead to modelling. She is keen to find an agency to promote her dreams to dance professionally and is ready to audition as often as possible.
There have been times in the last few years where Sophia has been thrown challenges and is grateful to have received an education from Loreto Toorak. From learning the simple skills of time management and productivity, to being able to handle anxiety-provoking situations with press and media with ease, she falls back on Loreto values. Much of Sophia’s ambition and confidence is owed to the School and to the teachers who instilled in students to feel empowered and to rise to each challenge.
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