UPDATE: Sara Mearns, the acclaimed principal ballerina of the New York City Ballet, has emerged from a harrowing battle with hearing loss and depression, making her triumphant return as the Sugar Plum Fairy in “The Nutcracker.” This remarkable development comes just in time for the holiday season, marking a significant turning point in Mearns’ life and career.
At 10 a.m. on a Friday, Mearns, dressed casually in a purple chunky-knit sweater, reflected on her journey. After enduring a decade of gradual hearing loss and a severe depression episode in 2021, she now feels empowered and authentic in her artistry. “I am finally being who I want to be,” she stated, showcasing her resilience.
Mearns’ journey began at the tender age of three when her mother enrolled her in dance classes. Despite initial resistance, she soon fell deeply in love with ballet. “Once I got into the sport that I love, nothing else exists,” she explained. Her tenacity shone through as she fought for a place at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City, eventually securing a scholarship to continue her training.
By 2008, Mearns had reached the pinnacle of her career, achieving the title of principal dancer. However, her world was rocked in 2020 when a routine carnival rehearsal in Brazil left her with unexpected hearing loss. Initially dismissed by doctors as minor, the reality hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic when Mearns struggled to communicate, leading to a severe decline in her mental health.
“During the pandemic, I felt like I was losing out on the best years of my career,” Mearns recalled, as she turned her second bedroom into a dance studio to stay active. The pressure to perform alongside younger dancers intensified her feelings of inadequacy, culminating in a breakdown by the end of the fall 2021 season.
Determined to reclaim her joy, Mearns embarked on a hiatus and sought professional help. It wasn’t until she got her first hearing aids in 2024 that her world transformed. “I could hear the birds, the wind, and even a conversation backstage,” she shared, overwhelmed with emotion. This new clarity redefined her experience both on and off stage.
When Mearns stepped into the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, she was greeted by a world of sound she had long missed. “I could hear everybody’s footfalls and the orchestra,” she said, marking this performance as a pivotal moment in her life. “This is a new chapter. My world is opening up again.”
With a renewed sense of self and purpose, Mearns is not only back on stage but thriving in her role. She describes the transformation as feeling more open and less self-conscious. “I feel like I have this superpower,” she added, emphasizing her newfound ability to connect with the performance and those around her.
As the curtain rises on this holiday season, Mearns’ story resonates deeply, reminding us of the power of resilience and the importance of mental health. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, inspiring others to embrace their own challenges and find their voice.
Stay tuned for more updates as Sara Mearns continues to shine brightly in the world of ballet, transforming her struggles into triumphs on the stage.
