I’m a Ballerina with the NYC Ballet—Facing the Challenge of Hearing Loss

I’m a Ballerina at the NYC Ballet — and I’m Losing My Hearing

In a captivating exploration of resilience and vulnerability, Sara Mearns, principal dancer at the New York City Ballet, takes viewers behind the curtain in her poignant video titled I’m a Ballerina at the NYC Ballet — and I’m Losing My Hearing. From the moment she set foot in New York at the tender age of 12, ballet has been the centerpiece of Mearns’ life—a dream that demanded her unwavering dedication. With fierce determination and a singular focus, she devoted countless hours to her craft, with a clear goal: “To be on stage.”

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I’m a Ballerina at the NYC Ballet — and I’m Losing My Hearing

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Known for her profound musicality, Mearns shares career-defining moments that highlight her artistry, such as her celebrated performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine’s timeless classic, The Nutcracker. Yet, amid the accolades and applause, a harrowing realization began to unfold. Mearns faced a silent struggle as she noticed alarming signs of nerve hearing loss, marking a significant turning point in her life. “I realized I couldn’t hear anybody,” she recounts, emphasizing the chilling moment when she began to miss the live orchestra that brought her performances to life. Relying heavily on visual cues from her partners, she faced the stage with an overwhelming sense of isolation.

At the pinnacle of her career, the paradox of thriving professionally while grappling with personal despair became nearly too much to bear. “I was at the top of my game but I was walking to work crying every day,” Mearns reflects, revealing the emotional toll that hearing loss can take on even the most successful artists. It wasn’t until she mustered the courage to seek help that her journey took a transformative turn. Diagnosed with nerve hearing loss, she embraced hearing aids, which opened up a world she felt she was gradually losing. “I started tearing up on stage, because I finally heard every single instrument and the power of it,” she expresses, capturing the sheer joy and relief of reconnecting with the music that is fundamental to her art.

Mearns’ journey is not just about her personal struggle. By sharing her experiences, she has built an inspiring connection with many others facing similar challenges, illuminating a path through adversity. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that even in moments of despair, hope and healing are within reach. Alongside contributions from choreographer Jodi Melnick and Dr. Marta Gielarowiec of Audio Help Hearing Centers, Mearns encourages others to recognize that light can emerge from even the darkest of times.

Through her transparency and earnestness, Sara Mearns not only reveals the complexities of her life as a ballerina but also embodies the strength it takes to confront and overcome obstacles. Her story stands as a beacon for those navigating their own challenges, proving that the dance continues, even when the music is sometimes hard to hear.