NYCDP Questionnaire:
DANCER: Sarah Lane, Soloist at American Ballet Theatre What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer? SL: I would love to be a writer. Ever since I was really young, I’ve written mainly for myself. I like poetry and other forms of prose, as well. I find it liberating to have the ability to create something that endures that expresses something that I’m passionate about. Dance is special, yet sad, I feel, when you work so hard for that one moment onstage that comes and goes and can’t be saved. What is your worst fear (professionally or personally)? SL: One of my fears is that I’ll settle and stop pushing the limits of my own creativity. My utmost fear is losing my love for something or losing something that I love. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could? SL: Frederic Franklin. However, I have had so much pleasure dancing with two great partners, Angel Corella and Marcelo Gomes. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be? SL: Determine first, if it is something that you love with all your heart and second, what is the meaning behind what you do that motivates you. If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why? SL: I used to love cats but, now that I have two dogs, I am thoroughly a dog person. A dog’s love is unconditional and I think, as people, we could learn something important from that. What is your greatest indulgence? SL: The people that I love. It gives me life to spend time with my mom and brothers, with my “NYC” parents, Gayle and Marty, and, also with my husband’s family in Madrid, Spain. What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you? SL: Lambs Wool, Bunion Spacers, Pointe Shoes What career would your family have chosen for you? SL: My parents were always supportive of me. They gave me freedom without judgement to do whatever I was passionate about. They inspired me and they worked really hard to make a good future possible for me. What is your idea of perfect happiness? SL: I don’t believe that “perfect” happiness exists in life and the pursuit of that unattainable idea produces quite the contrary. For me, happiness is allowing myself to love, valuing love enough to fight for it and being content in love’s strengths AND weaknesses Who would you like most to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)? SL: A close friend. What is your favorite city to tour to and why? SL: I have toured many places internationally but I truly love Washington, D.C. I have so many good memories there and The Kennedy Center is a wonderful theater to dance in. Plus, we can drive there and bring our dogs; What was your biggest mishap in a performances? SL: Well, I’ve had many funny moments onstage, that weren’t always so funny when they happened. I fell flat on my face in Symphony in C center stage doing the 4th movement principle. I got so involved in my character as Olga in Onegin and Swanilda in Coppelia in two separate instances that I skipped whole sections of the choreography and then had to improvise! I’ve, also, had a few moments that I couldn’t control my laughter. Is there a special meal you have before performances? SL: When I was a little girl, it used to be grilled cheese and tomato soup. Now, it’s any sort of protein with a complex carb finished off with a little piece of chocolate and a coffee:)
Tutu redesigned: Melinda Keith Lane Bodysuit: Chacott by Freed of London