Sofia Boutella
Sofia Boutella
Sofia Boutellais an Algerian-French dancer, actress and musician, known mainly for hip-hop and street dance, and for Nike Women's advertising campaigns. Boutella is known for starring as Eva in StreetDance 2, Ara in Monsters: Dark Continent, Gazelle in Kingsman: The Secret Service, and an alien warrior named Jaylah in Star Trek Beyond. She will be playing the title role in Universal's reboot of The Mummy...
NationalityAlgerian
ProfessionDancer
Date of Birth3 April 1982
CountryAlgeria
When I was dancing, whether it was the music or the story, the question was 'Why am I doing this piece, and why am I dancing?' It is exactly the same when you are acting. You have a very close relationship with your body movement. You have to find the physicality of your character.
I make body chains that come from the neck, cross in the middle of your chest, then go around your waist. I mix them with feathers for a gypsy, bohemian style.
When I was little, I went to the Sahara desert and met an older woman with beautiful earrings that came all the way down to her stomach. She told me, 'For us Tuareg, jewelry is not meant for decoration. It absorbs negative energy that comes your way.' So think twice when you buy a vintage ring!
When I was a dancer, I was acting.
Working with Madonna, she always told me the meaning behind the steps and why I was doing these steps - she treated us like actors. So I feel like I've always been an actor, truly.
When I give my jewelry as a present, I feel like I'm giving protection to someone I care about... I've given pieces to my mom, my aunts, my friends. I've even made bracelets for my dad and my uncle.
I truly believe the discipline I have honed as a dancer will bring me more opportunities as an actor.
I wanted a choker, and couldn't find one I liked, so I thought, 'I'll just make it.'
I don't believe in doing everything and being mediocre at all of them. I believe in being good at one thing.