UPDATE: Principal ballerina Sara Mearns has overcome significant challenges, including hearing loss and depression, to reclaim her passion for dance. Mearns, who has been a leading performer with the New York City Ballet, is now sharing her inspiring journey as she prepares to take the stage for the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”
At just 10 a.m. on a Friday, Mearns was spotted in her dressing room, looking relaxed yet empowered in a casual purple sweater. This marks a drastic shift from her past struggles that included gradual hearing loss over a decade and a severe bout of depression in 2021. Today, she feels liberated, stating, “I am finally in the place of being who I want to be.”
Mearns’ journey began at the age of three when her mother enrolled her in dance classes. Despite initial reluctance, she quickly fell in love with ballet, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance as she navigated her way through the competitive world of dance. By 2008, she achieved the remarkable status of principal dancer at only 18 years old.
However, life took an unexpected turn during a carnival rehearsal in Brazil. Following exposure to loud drumming, Mearns experienced hearing loss, which was dismissed as minor by her doctor. The situation escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic when she struggled to communicate with masked colleagues, leading her to confront the reality of her declining hearing.
“I realized I was missing crucial moments in conversations and performances,” she recalled. The pandemic intensified her feelings, leading to a breakdown fueled by self-comparison with younger dancers. Mearns decided to take a step back from dance and seek help, a pivotal moment that changed her life.
In 2024, Mearns was fitted with hearing aids, marking a profound breakthrough. “I walked down Ninth Avenue and stopped, overwhelmed by the sounds I had missed for so long,” she shared. The emotional transformation culminated when she performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy, fully aware of the orchestral music and the footsteps of fellow dancers—an experience she described as life-changing.
Mearns emphasizes that her newfound clarity has opened up her world. “It’s a new chapter for me,” she stated. “I feel more connected, more expressive, and like I can truly hear everything around me.”
As she embraces her role in “The Nutcracker,” Mearns is not just dancing; she is sharing a powerful message of resilience and renewal. Her journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is potential for rebirth and joy.
Expect to see Mearns shine on stage, continuing to inspire audiences with her story of triumph over hardship. This season, she embodies more than a character; she represents hope and the power of perseverance.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mearns and her transformative journey as she takes the stage in one of ballet’s most beloved performances.
