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photos by: Nathan Carlson

Sophie Williams, a California native, began training at Ballet Arte in San Diego, before joining Miami City Ballet's Pre-Pro Division. Highlights of her professional career include performing as the 2nd Violin in Concerto Barocco, Dark Angel in Serenade, and in Theme and Variations with Richmond Ballet. In 2020, Sophie joined the Corps de Ballet of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, where she had the opportunity to dance, tour the country, and connect with her New Zealand roots. She joined Texas Ballet Theater in 2022. ​

When not in the studios, Sophie runs her own dancewear line Aurora Skirts, mixing design and art to create lifelong pieces of dancewear that transcend fast fashion. Every detail of her skirts is ethically considered starting with recycled materials through to carbon-neutral shipping, and local collaborations.

The Materials:

• The fabric used in the creation of each skirt was purchased from La Panda Love Fabrics, a textile company that connects visual artists to creator like Sophie!
• The Skirts are made of 100% Recycled Polyester rPET .​​
• We know what you are thinking, Polyester = petroleum? Chiffon, the traditional fabric used in a ballerina's skirt is typically made of Polyester, Sophie and ACC decided to go with this particular fabric because it is a more sustainable option for the traditional look. rPET reduces the need for primary extraction and uses 30-50% less energy to produce.

*Learn more about the Recycled Polyester rPET that were used in this project by clicking here!

Browse Skirts

Contact Sophie:
​Instagram: @auroraskirts

"I grew up along the coast in California, with a family that is 1/2 Canadian + 1/2 Kiwi, so it came naturally to spend time in nature and want to care for the planet. I've had the privilege to witness firsthand the melting glaciers at Aoraki National Park and the imminent threats of climate change. Ergo, I of course wanted to bring the same awareness into creating my skirts."

We encourage you to learn more about where your garments come from, ACC has done the work to ensure that the fabrics and materials used in this project are up to are upmost standards while maintaining Sophie's artistic vision. If you have questions or concerns regarding the social responsibilities of ACC or the creation of these skirts please reach out, we are always striving to do good and be better!

20% of this project's profits will go directly to the 3 organizations ACC supports. The remainder of profits will then go to Aurora Skirts, Nathan Carlson and funding for future projects at ACC.