UPDATE: Principal ballerina Sara Mearns has overcome significant challenges, including hearing loss and a battle with depression, to reclaim her artistic voice. Just recently, Mearns stepped onto the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, marking a triumphant return to performance after a tumultuous journey.
At just 10 a.m. on a Friday, Mearns was spotted in her dressing room, exuding confidence in a casual purple sweater, a stark contrast to her demanding role in the ballet. For years, Mearns struggled with her hearing and mental health, but she is now embracing “being who I want to be,” as she puts it.
Mearns began dancing at the age of three in her home state of South Carolina. Despite early reluctance, she fell in love with ballet, showing tenacity as she pursued her dream. At just 15, she fought to stay in the prestigious School of American Ballet after being initially overlooked for a full-time position. Her determination paid off when she was granted a place on a partial scholarship.
In 2003, Mearns joined the New York City Ballet as an apprentice and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a principal dancer by 2008. However, her journey took a dramatic turn in 2020 when she began experiencing hearing loss after a carnival rehearsal in Brazil.
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2021, Mearns’ struggles intensified. Isolated due to health precautions, she found it increasingly difficult to hear and connect with others. “I couldn’t see anybody’s mouths and I couldn’t hear them because of the masks,” she recalled. The pandemic prompted her to question her career path and stoked feelings of burnout and inadequacy.
Mearns ultimately took a hiatus from dance to focus on her mental health. “I was only half there,” she admitted, reflecting on the pressures she faced both internally and externally. Recognizing the need for change, she sought professional help and embarked on a journey towards healing.
In 2024, Mearns received her first hearing aids, dramatically transforming her life and performance. “Hearing the wind was mind-blowing to me,” she exclaimed, recalling her first moments with restored hearing. The newfound ability to hear details like footfalls and backstage conversations helped her feel present on stage for the first time in years.
When she returned to the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the experience was surreal. “I could hear everything,” Mearns shared, highlighting the emotional significance of this moment. “This is a new chapter. This is the beginning of something amazing and my world opening up again.”
Now, with a second season of The Nutcracker behind her, Mearns feels a profound shift in her artistry. “I feel like I have this superpower,” she said, celebrating her ability to connect with the performance and her fellow dancers in ways she had long missed.
Mearns’ journey serves as an inspiring reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing the power of embracing one’s struggles to emerge stronger. As audiences celebrate her return, Mearns continues to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of seeking help.
Stay tuned for further updates on Mearns’ inspiring journey and her upcoming performances.
