Sonia Ragan

Sonia is co-owner of Ballroom City in Sarasota Florida where she teaches students, choreographs dances and participates in growing the wonderful community.

Sonia also has a private massage therapy center in Sarasota which treats people with complicated pain syndromes using Neuromuscular Therapy and Sacred Thai Bodywork.

Her passion for the body, movement and healing led her to The Sarasota School of Massage Therapy. Graduating in 2015 with certifications in Neuromuscular and Sacred Thai Massage. In 2017 Sonia began teaching Anatomy and Physiology at the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy. In 2020 she was offered a position to give certification workshops for Neuromuscular Therapy.

Sonia says, “My beloved first teacher, Burmah gave me the gift of gratitude. I’m most grateful for her thoughts on living a complete life.”

About Sonia

Born in Boone, North Carolina, Sonia grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains where she began expressive movement in martial arts at the age of eight. In 1996, her dancing career emerged upon moving to Sarasota, Florida for training with internationally known Burmah Smith, Blackpool Theater Arts Champion.

As a professional dance teacher and competitor for 25 years, Sonia educates students on the mechanics of her choreography while guiding them through the process and towards their goal. Expertise with competing and teaching, has given Sonia the experience to judge dance competitions. Some features her sharp eyes focus on include frame, posture, partnership and footwork.

Sonia has won many titles during her career leading her to becoming a United States Open American 9-dance finalist. She is also an adjudicator for the ballroom competitions held by The National Dance Council of America, where she now serves as committee member on the Credentials and Examinations Board.

Sonia choreographed and performed at The Circus Sarasota where she creatively integrated Ballroom and Latin dancing with jugglers and trapeze artists. She has performed in numerous shows at The Sarasota Opera House and The Asolo Repertory Theater.

In 2008 Sonia debuted on national television modeling for celebrity stylist Marc Anthony on the Home Shopping Network. In 2010 she began modeling evening gowns on the NBC Good Day Morning Show.

Sonia gives to the community by volunteering for many causes including The Community Aids Network, Take Stock in Children and Light of The World International Church.

Accreditations:

American Rhythm (Bronze) FULL ASSOCIATE American Rhythm (Silver) MASTER American Smooth (Bronze) FULL ASSOCIATE American Smooth (Silver) Master International Latin (Bronze) ASSOCIATE International Latin (Silver) MASTER International Standard (Bronze) FULL ASSOCIATE International Standard (Silver) MASTER Certified Adjudicator and Invigilator for The National Dance Council of America Competitions Board Member, Credentials and Examinations Committee of The National Dance Council of America Licensed Thai Bodywork Practitioner Licensed Neuromuscular and Trigger Point Therapist

Contact: soniaragan@yahoo.com

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.