Interview with Sara Mearns

Sara and I have forged an unlikely friendship in the competitive world of ballet. We dance differently, approach the art form differently, but somehow always find a common ground from which we base our friendship. Some people are just meant to be a meaningful part of your life. Listen in on how this amazing artist, and my best friend, approaches her work.

[@gabychavez253]

Megan : “welcome to my talk show” Sara : *wheezes

[@karenkaren3189]

Never think of yourselves as nonessential. When I was still working as a nurse, I used to watch NYCB videos on my break. ( I worked the night shift, so we often had quieter times after midnight). I can’t even count the hours of joy you brought to me, while I was coping with my patients real suffering. Last week because of my age (64), I decided to retire from bedside nursing. I definitely felt sad all week, and still do. However I had these wonderful videos to cheer me up. I watched Concerto DSCH the other night and was completely transported out of this sad world for a little while. So no, never ever think that you are nonessential.

[@physhac]

Absolutely. I remember Sylvie Guillem saying a similar thing that she felt vapid and non essential, but she brought an infinite amount of joy to the masses and had a profound impact.....

[@dancer2189]

god bless Megan Fairchild for giving us the content we need at this time. 🙏🏽

[@lanakranjcevic2752]

Sara is just dying of laughter the whole time😂

[@isabella322pluspizza]

Sara's laugh is contagious

[@soldaliberdade13]

I appreciate Sara's vulnerability, open mind, drive and humility... she is a passionate, moving dancer. Great interview!

[@soldaliberdade13]

I also appreciate her intensity and relate - thank you, Megan, for these personal and thoughtful questions.

[@beckynapier8587]

What about a title like, "Going beyond the "Pointe" with Megan Fairchild" lol I LOVE THESE INTERVIEWS! Each dancer who is getting into social media through these times are finding their own different areas to explore and I can't say enough about how much I love these interviews! Thank you for doing them :)

[@juliannederouin6025]

These interviews are fantastic. I love being able to see you guys just act like people - I feel like dancers are always seen as this otherworldly being and in reality we're all just trying to do our best!!

[@kathymyers7279]

Julianne DeRouin right? Like, how can these elite butterfly’s be human? Can’t get enough of backstage stuff.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

One thing I LOVE about Sara is she's SO real! I love her!

[@Siricerasi]

I really love “meeting” the dancers this way, to see behind the beauty and artistry to the humans who bring us so much joy. Love this. Also think Megan would make a good career guidance councillor

[@meganfairchild6135]

HAHA!!! No, I need one myself! lol

[@ctheo2020]

Yes to interviewing Craig Hall!!! And Sara's giggles at the end tho....

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I LOVE that the video is long. Meghan and Sarah have an amazing chemistry! They should create a Tarantella type ballet just the two of them with the wry and fun spirit of Tannaquil LeClerq and it would be unique and a great hit! I have seen beautiful ballet pas de deux with men and I think ABT had an amazing pas de trois with 3 sublime male dancers that I saw long ago. I can't remember the names. I really can't express how unique & fantastic these videos are. Yall are HYSTERICAL. Yall lifted my spirits HIGH. I had been really depressed. Not now! Meghan has this incredible personableness and has organic, fun exchanges with her interview subject but is unfailingly professional which I particularly admire because it's like not only is Meghan having a wonderful time with Sarah she never forgets about giving us a wonderful time too and really, really helping the viewers. So it's not just a priviledged private party that we can't really enter. Meghan and Sarah let all of us enter and it was unbelievable! Meghan is an INCREDIBLE INTERVIEWER. SO intelligent and depthful. Outstanding! Meghan respects her viewers to the hilt & tries to give them everything in the world she can and then some! Wow. Meghan is very exceptional in everything she does. This technical information about dance & different schools of excerise versus ballet technique is so fantastic. No other channels offer it in just this way. (Of course Kathryn Morgan provides great information about ballet technique also.) I was a ballet student in the 1960's & other fitness disciplines were not employed to compliment or enhance classical ballet technique. I understand every syllable Sarah utters because as the years progressed and ballet dancers started to add other type workouts to their regular ballet class regimines I could really understand how ideal this is. What Meghan Fairchild is providing the public - for balletomanes and non-balletomanes alike - I can't say enough how valuable it is and how much we all appreciate it. I have spent a lifetime adoring the great art of ballet and all its performers in all its beautiful ranges and this interviewing domain adds another dimension to my love of ballet performers I never thought possible. Yall are all wonderful and what an incredible treat to see you splendid dancers perform and then get an hour of private interview with these magical and vibrant stage creatures whereby your full personality is shown. Wow. Thank you SO much for your generosity and caring by giving a natural and authentic interview performance. We love you all. And thank you for the limitless daily labors and agonies you put yourself through for decades to achieve such high levels of physical human endeavor and artistry in order to give the world great, beautiful, and historic performing art.

[@rainstreet78]

These interviews are so much fun to watch, Megan, thank you! Would love to see an interview with Lauren Lovette to find out how she got into choreography. And of course I want to see YOU interviewed as well!

[@zaoyingcherryji4761]

Susan Horan I second this!! Please interview Lauren!!!

[@000JayDub]

“Why would you say no? that’s dumb.” That’s legitimately good life advice re: opportunities!

[@ginatalarico8587]

“My head is closer to my feet!” Gold. I can’t tell you how much I love that. This was wonderful - I feel like I have such a better picture of Sara as a person, which gives me even more appreciation and understanding to what she does on stage. Wonderful.

[@dancer4448]

Oh my gosh! I loved this interview. When Sara was talking about how when she’s in a group class and sees all of these amazing people, seeing them on their leg and thriving, she feel almost embarrassed. I feel the SAME WAY! it’s so nice to see that they are normal people too. Their not perfect😌🙏

[@emmaschmook]

Your jobs are so essential!!! We need artists to provide beauty, light, hope, and passion to keep our spirits up. This is why art has existed throughout human history. Please don't think you're not essential.

[@rachelbachler7126]

To answer Sara's question, yes. Yes this was quite entertaining. Watched every minute of it! You should have a contest for fans to contribute name ideas!

[@akurayama143]

Megan: says something Sara: wheezes until she dies😂☠️

[@doctoras3745]

We want a part 2 with Sara Mearns!

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

Ballet, as a balletomane, has been essential my entire life. Ballet IS essential. I would have been dead without it. It has provided an immeasurable sustenance to my life and soul. I just love the concept of interviewing people you know. It adds a unique dimension. As a former ballet student, to get an inside view of things from these two wonderful dancers is a true gift beyond words. Meghan brings out the absolute BEST in all of her interview subjects and they all obviously LOVE her. (and Sara too.) Just like we do!

[@karenkaren3189]

I have told so many friends about this interview. Specifically about how to manage their anxiety around not doing the usual amount or kind of exercise as they were used to. I told them how two of NYCB’s principal dancers both had long layoffs from ballet and were able to come back. Also your practical tips, like doing something every day. Right now I practice yoga with YT videos every morning. In the mid to late afternoon, I take a long walk. Gradually I have increased the length of that walk, now walking about an hour each day. I even found a hill close by to my house, so am getting a little extra cardio! My biggest limiting factor is a few chronic little injuries ( left shoulder, right knee, sore feet), that I was managing with massage and acupuncture. Now I am careful to stretch more, roll out the bottoms of my feet and massage my lower legs and feet every night. Thank you again for these wonderful interviews. Ballet came into my life because of you and your brother, and it will never leave now. I made a donation in your names to the NYCB relief fund. Art Matters.

[@brittanycarriger]

I am screaming this is awesome! I love Sara!! She is the Tom Brady of ballet!!!

[@manga12]

curious I always thought sara this amazing dancer that has a very emotive style of dance, and would have thought her a natural, its shocking to hear her say she was not super impressive at first, but I like her style shes pretty but very girl next door and just naturally frank and honest introspective when she talks about her dancing and her projects, and has a warm welcoming smile

[@MoST95]

I didn't want that to end! What a breath of fresh air. I felt like I was hanging out with you which was soup for the soul in these social distancing times.

[@agr1323]

I love this so much!!! These are the highlight of my day.

[@melissaabbe1416]

Esteemed ballerinas: you are BEYOND essential to those of us blessed enough to have ballet in our lives. Never doubt that.

[@marymohagheghi4875]

I really respect how you treat each other with such warmth and respect ....

[@bordergirl]

You know what? That was quite wonderful. You are a very good interviewer Megan, and you, Sara, are a delight. Actually, you are both a delight. You had me completely absorbed. Thank you! Stay safe wherever ever you are, and I’ll see you on the other side. 🥰

[@susanahlquist4321]

Yes ! I agree , Morgan is a natural interviewer. I am really enjoying these. I don't do any social media but I love You tube . The candid way this interview went was really great. I love the point about Sarah doing barre solo and how we all have to honor what is the best way for each of us to work. Personally I am grateful that online classes are out there but I to prefer to work on my own, In whatever way we are working , doing our part to reduce the spread of covid has become the common denominator for us all. Working solo but it makes me feel connected to follow the ballet world on utube when I wind down from my day Thanks Morgan and Sarah!

[@alexagrant-gorveatt257]

What a fantastic interview and insights into the perspectives you have about your art. As both someone who has an "essential" job as a Registered Nurse and someone who has danced since aged 4 and continues to dance several times a week - I have to say your career is 100% essential. There have been many days when dance- both the act of doing and watching have gotten me through very challenging times due to my career. So thank you thank you thank you for everything you do and keep these amazing interviews and classes coming !!!!

[@lizziefrances]

people ALWAYS need the arts! The generosity of the arts community in providing free streaming of performances to help us through is not found in any other sector of the economy. The arts' contribution to peoples' mental health during lockdown is immeasurable.

[@icarrus4u]

Sara Mearns is a rockstar! I love how natural and authentic her personality is and she dances like a complete Goddess. Brava!

[@esstown]

Ms. Mearns, my darling, people DO need the arts, they just don't realize it. Imagine if we all lived in an undecorated brown box. Imagine that this brown box would never change no matter how hard we worked. Imagine that we would never see anything except this brown box we lived in. Exactly. We would have no reason to live, or to do anything else at all. If suddenly there was nothing stylish to wear, no painting to hang on the wall, no colors, no music, same plain food everyday - I think we would all go insane. Thank you, Ms. Mearns for doing your part to make the world a beautiful and interesting place.

[@sushila6546]

I am not a dancer but I am a big fan of ballet. I’ve been lucky enough to see you both (Megan Fairchild and Sara Mearns) perform a few times. Thank you so much for your work, dedication, and artistry. I found this interview fascinating and inspirational! It was great hear the really specific questions and answers. Thank you!

[@chietieu]

Thank you~!! It so special for the fans to listen to the NYCB Stars ~~!!

[@FriendlyneighborhoodC8]

I’ve come back to watch this interview another 3 times because it was so awesome and hilarious. Love all the shade especially how many times Megan sneaks in “and then lock yourself in your practice room for 5 hours” hahahahaha! 🤣 Love you ladies so much, you are both at the top of my fave ballerinas list! 🥰

[@physhac]

I love “I didn’t have the turns and jumps” and now we have her Ratmanski Namouna which is ICONIC

[@powerofalto]

Utterly fascinating, at least for a musician/non-dancer. Such a fabulous interview. Megan, you’re the Terry Gross of Ballet! BTW: The arts have never been more important, and sheltering in place isn’t a statement about your importance. Also, the Berlin Phil digital concert hall has been life-saving for me. :)

[@tjhorner1135]

I love Sara Mearns. She is one of the female athletes that inspire me the most.

[@veramentegina]

you are such a great interviewer..you should get your own talk show and not only with dancers. You are interested, present, a great listener, warm and friendly and you make one feel at ease.. Really, a new career for you! Congrats!

[@MiloSweet22]

Such a JOY to watch these two incredible dancers just talking. Great to see this intimate glimpse into your lives during these strange times. Thanks so much for doing this. I can't wait for you both to be center stage at Lincoln Center soon!

[@ejjohnson9142]

keep the interviews coming, i love them soooo much!!!!!

[@MiaKay22]

I just discovered this interview and I loved every second. I also wanted to make sure to share how vital and essential dance and art really is. I am in healthcare and have worked every moment through the pandemic. I desperately needed a break physically and emotionally, so I joined the adult ballet class at my local arts center back in January. I’ve not danced in years, but it’s exactly what I’ve needed to help destress and focus on something else I’m passionate about. Thank you ladies for your transparency!

[@62flamenco]

This is so wonderful to talk the action. Put into words the emotion. As opposed to just “doing it,” and getting your body and mind to sync. This is a step back of analyzing and reminiscing, in the moment. Time, space, and motion all coming together. With humor. So essential right now.

[@roxiehart1]

I'm obsessed! You & Sara cracked me up. I also loved the interviews with Skyler & Katherine. You asked all the questions I've been wondering myself (of all three). And I think the name of your 'talk show' *should* be "Just for Now..." It's perfect, and you came up with it spontaneously😁 at 1:20:32 Keep 'em coming! Can you interview some Boston Ballet dancers? Or, some NYCB apprentices/young corp members? And yes, Sara, this *was* entertaining.😂 I didn't want it to end.

[@CuteMiss8]

Two of my favorite dancers!! This was the best interview I've ever watched!! Y'all are my inspirations and such positive role models!

[@karenkaren3189]

These interviews helped sustain me during the darkest days of 2020 and 2021 and they continue to add beauty and joy to my life.❤

[@misscc_20]

I loved this interview. So lively and fun

[@juliannegreen2893]

I love the NYCB and am glad to see dancers in their private lives...So interesting!! Thanks for these Megs!

[@juliannegreen2893]

Oh God, DO I want to know who it is that thinks, "I was fierce tonight..." Hmmmm?

[@laurar4721]

Thank you for giving us this glimpse into your friendship and discussing your experiences so openly. I'm not a dancer but I love NYCB and I learned so much from this conversation. I travelled to NYC this year primarily to see two shows and it was spectacular. I can't wait for this to all be over and come back for more. Thank you for your art.

[@lindsaymanzella5956]

Loved this interview! I could listen to you too chat all day. Looking forward to the next interview.

[@misskimberly5]

Would love to see you interview Ashley bouder

[@carolczina9235]

This was the best entertainment so far for me during quarantine. Rock on, Megan. You two are the best.

[@xy2565]

I totally feel like I’m the same as Sara! I only really feel comfortable around others once we are put together and have experienced something together, I feel intimidate by others and constantly feel like I am not as good as others and don’t want to show that either. I also don’t like to party and go out knowing that I have to dance the next day- I prioritise dance and make sure I feel as best as possible for dancing. It’s amazing to see the human side of the dancers. It’s so interesting because watching you all onstage you all look magical and superhuman. Thanks for these interviews!! You really are a natural interviewer Megan! Wonderful conversational based interview!

[@callabeth258]

I love how this is essentially just two best friends having a conversation!

[@TheSunsun5]

Oh my! I saw you perform today (You Tube) in Ballo Della Regina, fell in love with you then, noticed you were on You Tube interviewing Sara Mearns. I was fascinated by the interview and learned so much from both of you. I think your off to a great start with you Interview Show! I am a NYCB fanatic, danced many years ago and love ballet. Thank you for sharing your world with the world.

[@maryalaymong]

i hope you turn this into a podcast!

[@elway296]

We so need the arts and artists to express the beauty and the healing. It is not 'essential' in this moment only in that we cannot risk for it to be performed publicly at this time. But in your own ways, in social distance ways, with all your creativity and innovation, express and make art that says something that speaks of life, beauty and hope.

[@sameoldsteph]

And both of you - I love your dancing so much. You are both so different but compliment each other so well. Sara, you are phenomenal. You are a wild woman and I love it. I am an emotional human as well and can completely understand how you could hear the music and be wistful even when your run is over. You two are hilarious. Megan, it's obvious that you are the firstborn, as I am. I love you both so much!! Cannot wait for this quarantine to end. But thank you for doing these. (I am not a dancer, but I am a restless human and a mother.) :)

[@siobhandunham1601]

Megan- great job! Listening to you and Sara has been joyous. I'm happy to hear you both laugh. My heart is with you both. Keep going Megan; during this time we dancers, teachers, and ballet lovers need this connection that you are providing. I'll be encouraging my students here in Saratoga Springs to watch your interviews.

[@ashleygriffin]

You are one of the best interviewers I've ever seen! LOVE these!!!!!

[@muffin_heart]

You're getting popular...., and I also looked at the website and saw that the year Sara joined the corps, was the year that megan got promoted to soloist

[@annemathis5130]

Just what I needed this morning (4/20/20)!!! You ladies are the best! :) Hope you both dance for many years to come!!!

[@suzfindsnyapts]

Megan I have to tell you how watching these videos have giving me a whole new understanding of City Ballet. I was always a 4 times a year, cheat seats person over the years. I am so excited to come watch again with fresh eyes. Great interviewing here, Sarah is so fascinating but not the easiest nut to crack. Explaining how opposites attract the two of you really helped me understand the range of talents.

[@curiouscoquettexcourtney4778]

Wonderful interview thank you! You are both 2 of my favorite ballerinas! I got to see both of you perform Swan Lake in 2017 and you both were stunning!! Can't wait to see you both perform again!

[@lenagraceeaster1467]

Thank you for all these inspiring interviews ❤️

[@ayepol]

Literally the cutest. Both of you.

[@Orifhrdwr]

I love how we really get to know the dance stars of today, with the accessibility of video. Most of us have no idea what the personalities of famous dancers from the past were like.

[@alexandraeccles8047]

I am loving these interviews! They’re keeping me super inspired during quarantine! It would be so interesting if you could do some sort of story time about your time on Broadway and what it was like from the point of view of a ballet dancer, if you would do another show and what you would say to other ballet dancers if they’ve been interested in broadway! Looking forward to the next interview💗

[@lindazeccola1062]

Megan, I think you are one of the best interviewers I have ever watched. You have a gift for it. I can see you having your own talk show on TV. I love dance and love getting to know these dancers.

[@julieeisen1340]

This was so great - from both sides! Megan, you are such a warm interviewer! Can’t wait to watch more :)

[@realtalkriley]

Hey! I’m a dancer with Houston Ballet and I’ve loved these interviews so far! Super cool to hear an inside look on these dancers and especially the inner working of other ballet companies. Thanks for keeping me entertained!!

[@allielinn6855]

You should interview Robbie!

[@iestynovich]

'I rehearse options' is all time wisdom. Wonderful. Thank you again.

[@kristiLB93]

This was great! Meghan you are a natural interviewer! 😃👍🏻

[@becspresso]

I admire you both so so so much!

[@derinors5047]

I've learnt so much from these interviews. Thank you for doing this ! 😍💖💖💖

[@5167304]

Awww these interviews are great! You are so genuine and curious and your lines of inquiry are informed by the deepest of connection to the art form. What a wonderful, and unexpected treat to come of these crazy times! ...also LOVE the opposite personality dynamic between you and Sara! Delightful.

[@AnnaAnna-zi8ri]

Megan, would love to watch an interview with you...same/similar questions...and get a chance to hear more about your insights and your story. And for Sara, wondering if she might be interested in doing her blogs or creating youtube content again..? Love to see any type of content from the both of you! 💚 Thanks for the video!

[@tiffanygarrison9597]

I just laughed for an hour and half. This was great. Y'all are hysterical.

[@gaiatutucci2585]

This was so interesting, inspiring and also very fun! Thank you so much!

[@evebromberg5923]

Are you perhaps taking applications for friends? I'd like to apply! You guys are so wonderful and I love you both as dancer and women. Thank you for these interviews Megan!

[@sunnygem21]

These interviews are absolutely fascinating. Loved all the laughs in this one!

[@whatsthestorymorningglory61]

I am blown away how lovely she is! You both are!

[@katimayo3069]

Yes, Quarantinas! Beautiful interview

[@kristenjerome1198]

I love these, please keep them coming!

[@akurayama143]

Plz do more with Sara ❤️❤️😂😂😂

[@constancedoyle7205]

I could listen to y'all for hours. Thanks for the laughs

[@theramensgirl]

In love with this!!🙌

[@moveartstudio1139]

You two are just SO great!! Honest, real and telling it like it is! So refreshing and inspiring

[@allymcbeal1]

so badly wanna see a day in the life/what i eat in a day video from both Sara and Megan :)

[@juliestrickland2145]

allymcbeal1 I agree. There are a lot of nods to struggles with weight in this conversation - I’d love to hear more about what that means exactly. What constitutes a concerning amount of weight gain, how do you know what is “ideal,” how - or does - company leadership broach that sort of thing?

[@melaniegill196]

It’s 1:00am where I’m at and I literally laughed out loud and almost woke up my kids when you said, “my head is really close to my feet” 🤣🤣🤣 This interview was everything I dreamed it would be and so entertaining! Two rockstar badass ballerinas. The best!!

[@houselakey9695]

You are a great interviewer! Thank you so much for taking advantage of this time to enlighten young dancers and share your experiences in dance so we are better prepared. You and all the artists you interview hold so much knowledge it deserves to be shared💜

[@sanchitamukherjee1540]

Wow, I am BLESSED to stumble across this today! So intimate! So fun!

[@gailjacobson9736]

This is delightful ! Thank you so much. You’ve opened up your world for us to peek Into and it’s so wonderful

[@davidburke324]

Now this seems like they’re best friends and I love it.

[@deborahclem4901]

Sarah, love your story. You are the “nose to the grindstone” woman. Awesome.

[@sameoldsteph]

Ballet Sincerity with Megan Fairchild!!! Megan, you are a natural. Keep doing this. You're so good at it!!

[@kassiedomino]

I’d love to see you interview Claudia Dean!