Episode 29: Sarah Witherup

Adult ballet dancer and volunteer studio manager at Dance Theatre Northwest in Washington, Sarah Witherup, joined the studio this month!

We spoke about how ballet became not just a passion for her, but a lifeline. As a highly trained endurance athlete, Sarah is no stranger to challenges. But after the loss of her son and at the age of 49, Sarah stepped into a ballet studio for the first time and says it was one of the most difficult and fulfilling steps she’s taken. Discovering ballet began a journey that would intertwine with her gender transition, self-discovery, and healing.

In this episode, she talks about what it means to enter the traditional and highly structured world of ballet as a transgender woman, how dance became a vital part of stepping fully into her identity, and the challenges and joys she’s encountered along the way—from pointe classes and performing on stage to unexpected in studio laughs and dress code dilemmas.

Sarah also shares the work she’s doing to make ballet more inclusive, including establishing a nonbinary dress code and an adult ballet intensive at Dance Theatre Northwest.

Sarah’s story reminds dancers to rethink what grace and strength can look like, to take up space inside and outside of the ballet studio, and to consider the importance of finding a place to belong.

• Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witherup2019/
• Learn more about Dance Theatre Northwest: https://dtnw.org/
• Check out Dance Theatre Northwest’s Adult Ballet Intensive: https://dtnw.org/adult-summer-intensive-program/
• Learn about Wear Blue: Run to Remember: https://www.wearblueruntoremember.org/
• Follow The Adult Ballet Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eblosfield91

*This episode discusses suicide, depression and PTSD. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365. These services are free and confidential.*

Music in this episode:

Waltz of the Flowers - Tchaikovsky

Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light - Kevin MacLeod

Barroom Ballet - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100310

Artist: http://incompetech.com/

@eblosfield  | [e-mail]

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