UPDATE: Principal ballerina Sara Mearns of the New York City Ballet is making headlines as she embraces a profound personal transformation following years of hearing loss and depression. Mearns, who has captivated audiences as the Sugar Plum Fairy, reveals she has finally found her voice both on stage and in life.
At 10 a.m. on a Friday, Mearns prepared for her performance, wearing a casual purple chunky-knit sweater. Yet, her appearance belies a significant journey of resilience and self-discovery. After facing a decade-long struggle with hearing loss and a severe bout of depression during 2021, Mearns is now celebrating a triumphant comeback in her career.
Mearns first fell in love with dance at just three years old, but her journey has not been without challenges. Despite setbacks during her formative years, she persevered, ultimately earning a position as a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet by 2008. However, a life-changing incident during a rehearsal in Brazil marked the beginning of her hearing challenges, which went unaddressed for years.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Mearns faced an awakening. “I couldn’t see anybody’s mouths and I couldn’t hear them because of the masks,” she explained, realizing the severity of her condition. The isolation intensified her mental health struggles, leading her to take a hiatus from dance in late 2021 to seek professional help.
In a powerful turning point, Mearns was fitted for hearing aids in early 2024. The moment she stepped onto the street and heard the world around her brought her to tears. “I could hear the birds, I could hear the wind,” she shared. This experience marked the start of a new chapter in her life, allowing her to reconnect with her artistry in ways she never imagined.
Mearns’ debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy with her new hearing aids was nothing short of magical. “I remember during the first section, I could hear everybody’s footfalls,” she reflected. This newfound clarity has not only enhanced her performances but has also transformed her approach to dance.
“I feel like I have this superpower,” Mearns declared. With a second season of The Nutcracker under her belt, she describes a profound shift in her self-expression, feeling more open and less self-conscious than ever before.
Mearns’ story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Her journey encourages others facing similar struggles to seek help and embrace their true selves. As she continues to soar in her career, Mearns exemplifies how confronting one’s challenges can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sara Mearns as she embarks on this remarkable journey of recovery and reinvention in the world of ballet. Her story is not just one of personal triumph but a beacon of hope for many.
