Sarah Clarke brings a striking blend of artistry, intelligence, and empathy to her work as a Lead Artist with Ballet 5:8. Known for her compelling stage presence and nuanced interpretation, Sarah has originated leading roles in BareFace (Orual), The Sea is Flat, Beyond the Nutcracker, Celestia, and La Llorona. Her work is marked by technical clarity, narrative sensitivity, and a deep commitment to the spiritual and emotional depth of Ballet 5:8’s repertoire.

Originally from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, Sarah was homeschooled throughout her academic journey and began dancing at the age of six at a local Christian studio. Her formal training expanded at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, where she performed iconic Balanchine works such as Serenade, Emeralds (alongside guest artists from New York City Ballet), and Western Symphony. She continued her pre-professional training at Charlotte Ballet as a Trainee from 2018–2020.

Sarah has trained at summer intensives with CPYB, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, gaining exposure to a diverse range of classical and contemporary styles that inform her distinctive movement vocabulary.

She joined Ballet 5:8 in 2020 as an Apprentice and quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to Lead Artist in 2023 after the premiere of BareFace, in which she originated Orual.

As a member of the Ballet 5:8 faculty, Sarah serves as Director of the Trainee and Conservatory Programs, where she brings her artistry full circle—mentoring the next generation of dancers with the same intentionality and excellence that defines her own work. She is particularly passionate about helping students develop their unique voices as artists, both on and off stage.

Sarah continues to shape the company’s artistic voice with each new season, contributing not only as a performer but as a thoughtful leader, mentor, and collaborator within Ballet 5:8’s mission-driven ensemble.