NYCDP Questionnaire:
Sara Mearns, Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet
What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer?SM: I can't imagine my life a different way or having a different career. One day I will have to create a career off stage but at this point that path is not laid out yet. I am fascinated by the sky and the stars so maybe I would have been an astronomer or worked for NASA. That would be amazing. What are your worst fears (professionally or personally)?SM: My worst fear is that my artform will one day fade away and lose all funding. I am trying to do everything I can to create buzz around ballet and how awesome it is. It's the most beautiful thing to see and witness with the exception of the ocean at sunset. My personal fear is not being with the love of my life, Josh Bergasse. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could?SM: In my artform: Baryshnikov and David Halberg. In life: Josh Bergasse. For fun: a duet with Pink. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be?SM: To dive into all dance forms at an early age, be diverse and don't be tunnel visioned for what company you want to be in. You don't have to have the perfect body, turnout, feet, or extension. Work as hard as you possibly can and be inspired by the music you dance to. If you could be an animal, what animal would your choose and why?SM: I've been called an animal on stage so i guess I would be me! Maybe I would want to be a giraffe, because I've always wanted a long neck. What is your greatest indulgence?SM: Food: my mom's Mac and cheese, if made by her. Life: staying in bed until noon What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you?SM: Spearmint gum, a trigger point ball, and bobby pins. What career would your family have chosen for you?SM: The one have I today. My mom and brother are my family and we were on this journey together from the beginning. We worked too hard and spent too much money to want anything else. It's all paying off now. This is the ride of my life. What is your idea of perfect happiness?SM: The life I have right now. It's getting better everyday. I pinch myself, and at times, tear up because its surreal. Who would you most like to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)?SM: Oprah. I love that woman. What is your favorite city to tour to and why?SM: Touring to the Almalfi coast was pretty amazing, performing on a stage that was built on the side of a cliff. But Copenhagen, Denmark has to be my favorite so far. Gorgeous opera house with amazing people and food. Also performing at Fire Island with the Atlantic Ocean sunset as the backdrop. What was your biggest mishap in a performance?SM: Any fall on stage is a funny awesome mishap as long as you aren't hurt. Is there a special meal you have before performances?SM: Don't like to eat too much before, if anything it's a small amount of pasta w/ some kind of protein. As always have a banana, smart water, and a coke zero on hand. I don't dance very well while burping or my stomach sticking out!
Hair and Makeup by Juliet Jane Unitard from Sonatas and Interludes by Richard Tanner, costumes by Carole Divet Dress from Barber Violin Concerto by Peter Martins, costumes by William Ivey Long