I met Sophie Claire Annen during the Astrology Course, where her gentle presence and tranquil voice distinguished her, radiating a serenity that seemed to envelop everyone around her. Since then, she has been one of the companions with whom I kept in touch and had the privilege of sharing readings and exchanges of knowledge. For Sophie, dance is much more than movement; it is a portal of self-discovery and transformation, where she immerses herself wholeheartedly, touching those who watch her with a unique lightness and depth.

Her journey goes far beyond the stage — it is a path of self-knowledge that Sophie generously shares with the public, in a holistic approach that challenges us to feel, to reflect, and to discover the potential that resides within each of us. Today, I feel honoured to celebrate with you this inspiring Swiss woman, Sophie Claire Annen, and her touching journey of dance, art, and awareness. May her words and experiences inspire you as much as her presence has inspired me.

Today, the voice that is heard is from Sophie Claire Annen!

Can you share the story of how dance first entered your life? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize that dance would be a central part of your journey?

I used to go to dance classes as a little girl, but then I stopped and focused on other outlets for a while: music, singing, gymnastics. Around the age of fourteen, I felt called back to dance. I remember having a fascination for pointe shoes, I just really wanted to try them on!! I soon discovered that dance was where I felt the most alive and I could express all of myself. I knew instantaneously that it would always be a part of my life, and I committed to making it happen.

Her fascination for pointe shoes caused her to discover that dance had to be part of her life.

Your artistic journey has taken you from Switzerland to Taiwan, Israel, and beyond. How have these diverse cultural experiences influenced your dance practice and creative expression?

Studying abroad immediately brought me into contact with diverse creative approaches, opening my mind and body to variety. I love observing relationships and connections between things, and travelling allowed me to notice how culture shapes creativity and vice versa. 

You’ve worked with a wide range of disciplines, from Indian dance to video mapping and acrobatics. How have these interdisciplinary experiences shaped your artistic identity?

I believe that everything I’ve encountered, whether experiences or people, is archived somewhere within me, and moves me through life. Being exposed to multidisciplinary studies early on has definitely helped me stay open to all the possibilities available and implement different outlets in creative processes.

Your work is deeply rooted in facilitating people’s uncovering of their potential. What inspired you to focus on this aspect of dance and creativity?

I was inspired to focus on this aspect when I began experiencing it firsthand. As I dove deeper into inner work, I realized how much of myself was still hidden beneath the surface due to conditioning, a lack of awareness, or fear. By connecting with my body and listening inward, I began to uncover that essential part of myself, the great potential within each of us that constantly communicates its deepest desires to us and longs to be tended to.

In 2021, you embarked on a self-growth journey with Humanhood. How did this experience transform your approach to movement and energetics?

The experience with Humahood has been one of the most significant in my life as it sparked a cascade of events that shifted my focus from performance to a more authentic expression of myself. The way this journey of self-development intertwined mindset, movement, and energetics deeply resonated with me, reflecting my belief in the interconnectedness of all things and beings. It felt like a homecoming and it is what allowed me to uncover my limitless potential.

You speak about the importance of stripping away learned identities to reveal our true essence. Can you share some of the challenges you’ve faced in your journey of self-discovery and how you’ve overcome them?

What I have realized in my own journey is that every opportunity for growth often involves facing one of my fears first. For example, I had to face the fear of letting people down by setting boundaries and the learned behaviour of people-pleasing to avoid making others uncomfortable. Now, every time I experience these fears, I remind myself that acting according to my own truth and self-expression is of utmost importance to me. I know that the next step for growth lies just beyond these challenges.

I had to face the fear of letting people down by setting boundaries and the learned behaviour of people-pleasing to avoid making others uncomfortable. Now, every time I experience these fears, I remind myself that acting according to my own truth and self-expression is of utmost importance to me.

Nature, movement, and the exchange of energies play a central role in your philosophy. How do these elements influence your creative process and the spaces you create for others?

Just like nature, Sophie believes that we are constantly moving and vibrating with energy (Photo by Alina Smith)

When possible, I enjoy offering my practices outdoors, and in nature. I like to invite participants to observe their surroundings as well as the sensations that arise within themselves. This awareness helps to understand that there is no distinction between our physical bodies and our environment; growth, change, as well as resilience in the face of challenges, are always available. And, just like nature, we are constantly moving and vibrating with energy. I approach my offerings with an open heart, a receptive body, and an openness to listen so that I can respond to the energies present in the space at that precise moment.

As someone who has travelled extensively and worked in various artistic environments, how do you maintain a sense of groundedness and connection to your truth?

By listening to my body. No matter the context I am in, I always try to connect with what I am feeling and, with time and patience, I have learned to trust that. In the beginning, I simply couldn’t due to conditioning and learned behaviours that activated my nervous system, which didn’t reflect my true self. First, I had to teach my body safety, a process that takes time and repetition.
It came to a point where, while I was comfortable at home, focusing on self-care practices, travelling would make me feel ungrounded. This experience taught me the importance of balance, deepening my understanding of embodiment in my own teaching. Embodying my truth means carrying it with me everywhere, turning it into a way of living, especially when facing challenges. Ultimately, I stay connected to my truth by being really honest with myself. And expressing it.

Can you discuss the dance collective you created with your friends? How did the idea of creating it come about and what are your aspirations for it?

Through your masterclasses, retreats, and astrology readings, you guide others in reconnecting with their unconditioned expression. How do you see these practices evolving in the future?

She envisions a life filled with dance, love and laughter! (Photo by Anna Kushnirenko)

As a true Sagittarius with a Gemini moon, I am always looking for ways to improve myself and learn (or refine) new skills. I am a true believer that you can take people only as far as you have taken yourself, so at the moment I am concentrating on that. For the future, I have a whole vision of cooking, but for the near future, I see myself blending movement, astrology and energetic principles even more, creating a community of like-minded people and offering longer formats to work with me. I would love to be able to support people over the long term, as I believe that is the only way for lasting change to occur.

Your vision speaks to the idea that “everything is a creative process.” How do you integrate this philosophy into your daily life, both personally and professionally?

In my opinion, everything is a creative process, as each one of us is the creator or artist of our own life. For me, living with this awareness comes down to the care and love I give myself. I focus on nurturing my well-being in various ways from the amount of sleep I get to how I nourish my body, to consciously moving and touching my body, gifting myself moments of silence, and inviting presence into each moment. Taking care of my body in this way allows me to think more clearly and choose which thoughts and energies to entertain, as well as which ones do not serve me. By maintaining this alignment, I can listen to my intuitions and desires, fully feel them, and ultimately bring them into my reality.

As a woman navigating the world of contemporary dance and creative arts, what advice would you give to other women who are seeking to forge their paths in these fields?

The advice I would give to anyone reading is to be willing to get uncomfortable for a while, to embrace all of who you are, and your uniqueness, and be responsible for it. Don’t compromise what you believe in, don’t shrink to avoid making others uncomfortable. Bring your authenticity and vulnerability forward.
Create space for yourself, slow down and remember that contraction and expansion coexist, there is not one without the other. Be patient with yourself and act on intuition.

(…) be willing to get uncomfortable for a while, to embrace all of who you are, and your uniqueness, and be responsible for it. Don’t compromise what you believe in, don’t shrink to avoid making others uncomfortable. Bring your authenticity and vulnerability forward.

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for the future? How do you envision your work continuing to evolve, and what impact do you hope to have on those who engage with your art?

In the future, I imagine living within an empowering community, surrounded by liberated, embodied individuals who take full responsibility for their lives. I envision sharing meaningful connections with these people as we work together to shape our lives as we desire. I would like to continue supporting others on their journeys, while also supporting and nurturing myself. I aspire to be a living example of possibility that inspires others, and I wish for my art to spark a feeling in people’s hearts. And, of course, I wish for a life filled with dance, love and laughter!

// Sophie Claire Annen Instagram | Sophie Claire Annen Website