Interview with Sara Mearns
After bravely sharing her story of her hearing loss with the world, we caught up with Principal of the New York City Ballet, Sara Mearns, ahead of her performances at Iconique 2026 on 6th and 7th March.
Photo credit: Mark Mann.
About Sara Mearns
Sara Mearns is one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation and a Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, she trained at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the School of American Ballet before joining New York City Ballet in 2006. She was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2008, at just 22 years old. Renowned for her musical sensitivity, dramatic depth, and commanding stage presence, Mearns is particularly acclaimed for her interpretations of Balanchine and Robbins, as well as for her work with leading contemporary choreographers, including Justin Peck, Alexei Ratmansky, and Pam Tanowitz. Her repertoire spans classical, neoclassical, and modern works, earning her widespread critical praise. Mearns has received numerous honours, including the Princess Grace Award and the Benois de la Danse.
What have you been working on recently, both professionally and personally?
I have been performing in New York City Ballet’s winter season and also working with Jodi Melnick on our full evening work, SuperBloom, that’s happening on March 27th and 28th at the 92st Y at the Harkness Center for Dance in New York. I’m also working on advocating for mental health in dancers and hearing loss in young people.
Sara Mearns advocating for hearing loss awareness
Have you danced in the Bahamas before? What excites you most about performing at Iconique 2026?
I have never danced or even travelled to the Bahamas before! This is all very exciting for me to experience the island and this gala.
You will be partnering with Robbie Fairchild - have you danced together before and if so where and what did you perform?
Robbie and I have known each other for over 20 years now and have performed together for almost the same amount of time. We of course performed at NYCB together, we have toured together, we have danced Twyla Tharp together, we have done it all. He is truly the best.
Photo credit: Sarah Silver.
What do you hope you leave the audience feeling as a result of watching you perform?
I never want to tell the audience how to feel or give them a preconceived notion of how they should feel when they watch dance. Every time I go out there, I feel something different, I dance it a different and new way, no show is ever the same for me, and I want the audience to feel whatever they need to when they are there. It’s all about being in the moment, fully, and without pressure.
You will be dancing alongside some stars of the international world of dance, who are you most looking forward to sharing the stage with?
I have always admired the dancers from the Royal Ballet in London, I think they are just the most beautiful, so I’m really looking forward to watching them from the wings.
Photo credit: Sarah Silver.
What will you be working on after Iconique?
Again, my project with Jodi Melnick, then NYCB’s spring season comes in April and may so will be working hard on that.
Can you share three things that people may not know about you?
- I have raced an F1 Ferrari road car at the Indi race course, and I love it.
- I have 50 percent hearing loss in both ears and perform with hearing aids in.
- I am a classical music fanatic.
