Biography

Originally from Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, Sarah Clarke began her dance training at a local Christian dance school, Greater Dover Dance Academy. From 2012-2017, Clarke trained with Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. There she performed renowned works by George Balanchine including Serenade, Walpurgisnacht, Valse Fantasie, Emeralds alongside esteemed guests from New York City Ballet, Western Symphony, and others. She received coaching from notable instructors such as Alan Hineline, Nicolas Ade, Leslie Hench, Laszlo Berdo, Darla Hoover, Amanda Edge, Stacy Calvert and many others.

Clarke then became a Trainee with Charlotte Ballet for two seasons (2018/19 - 2019/20). There she trained under the direction of Hope Muir, Patricia McBride, Anita Pacylowski-Justo, Hernan Justo, Ayisha Mcmillin Cravotta, and Kati Hanlon Mayo. While at Charlotte Ballet, Clarke performed works by George Balanchine, staged by Patricia McBride, including Who Cares? and Donizetti Variations. She also performed works choreographed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Mark Diamond, Laszlo Berdo, Naimah Kisoki, Lauren Fletcher, and Christopher Stuart.

Clarke has been a guest performer with Carolina Ballet Theater (2018) and Moving Poets (2019). Throughout her journey, she furthered her training at prestigious summer intensives with CPYB, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, and Alonzo King LINES Ballet.

In 2020, Clarke joined Ballet 5:8, where she has been an integral part of numerous world premieres including Julianna Rubio Slager's Reckless, Golden Sessions, Dry Bones, and Mercy. Notably, she originated the role of Orual in "BareFace." Recognized for her exceptional artistry and leadership, Clarke was promoted to Lead Artist in 2023 and now serves as a co-director for the Conservatory and Trainee Programs at School of Ballet 5:8.

Beyond her accomplishments as a dancer, Clarke has been sharing her expertise as a ballet instructor and choreographer for over 12 years, enriching the lives of aspiring dancers with her knowledge and passion.