If you have walked past the Cameron Club and noticed a group dancing together with big energy, coordinated moves, upbeat music, and plenty of laughter, that was probably PomSquad. You will see focus and fun in equal measure, a little cheering between routines, and the kind of enthusiasm that makes you stop and smile. At the center of it all is Sophia Lin Kanno.
Sophia lives in Alexandria, just a couple of miles from Cameron Station. She grew up in Atlanta and later spent time in New York and Chicago before landing in Northern Virginia. That mix of cities shows up in her style. Confident. Creative. High energy.
Her path to PomSquad Fitness began during the pandemic. With more time to train and a long-standing love of dance, she leaned into movement. What started as personal enjoyment quickly became something more. The founders noticed she brought her own mini squad to every class she attended. Her enthusiasm was contagious. They encouraged her to teach, and she said yes.
Why PomSquad?
For Sophia, it represents something bigger than choreography. The format blends approachable dance with coordinated routines, strong playlists, and unapologetic energy. It invites people in rather than intimidating them. The brand centers on positivity and inclusion, and on finding genuine joy in movement.
That joy is not contained to the studio.
The seasonal flash mobs that have become a Cameron Station highlight grew from Sophia’s desire to perform. Adults rarely get the chance to work toward something that ends in applause. During the pandemic, she imagined pop-up flash mobs as a way to bring joy to others, though the opportunity never quite materialized in Chicago. Once she arrived here and built a squad, she recognized that neighborhood events offered the perfect stage. A built-in audience. A reason to celebrate. A moment of shared fun.
Ask her about her favorite part of teaching and she does not mention choreography or technique. She talks about impact. Squadmates have told her that class shifted the direction of a difficult day. That dancing helped them forget stress. That her energy lifted their mood. Those comments stay with her. A smile, a laugh, a few minutes of movement can change how someone feels when they walk back out the door.
For residents considering a fitness routine, Sophia’s advice is grounded and practical. Find a format you actually enjoy. She started dancing simply because she liked dancing. It did not feel like a workout. It felt fun, which made consistency easier. Bring a friend if you can. Shared sweat builds accountability and makes showing up easier.
Outside of class, Sophia’s creative streak continues. She loves cooking and balances her passion for food with her commitment to fitness. She works full time as a Creative Director in corporate event planning and runs a zero waste, food upcycling private chef business on the side. Movement and meals coexist comfortably in her world.
As a child, she dreamed of becoming a writer. Books filled her early years, and she imagined crafting stories of her own. Many are surprised to learn she never trained in dance as a child. She began dancing recreationally after college, drawn to it for fitness and enjoyment rather than competition.
The most formative advice she received came from her mother during a difficult stretch in middle school. Feeling different and struggling to fit in, Sophia was told to pause whenever someone labeled her or questioned her worth. Ask yourself if you believe them. If you do not, then their words carry no weight. That lesson in self-trust shaped her confidence and remains a quiet foundation beneath the bright energy she brings to every class.
PomSquad at Cameron Station is about more than routines. It is about confidence, inclusion, and shared joy. If you have been curious, this may be your invitation. Show up. Try a class. Bring a friend.
You might leave with stronger legs.
You will almost certainly leave smiling.
PomSquad meets most Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the Cameron Club gym
This article was written by a volunteer for The Compass. Our writers work collaboratively to share community stories and information throughout Cameron Station. To learn how to contribute, email thecompass@cameronstation.org or communications@cameronstation.org
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