In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Sarah Martin, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

Sarah shares her journey from early training at BalletMet to trainee programs across the country, and how the relationships she built along the way ultimately led her to Madison Ballet.

We dive into Sarah’s lifelong love of choreography: from creating dances as a child to developing her third original work for Madison Ballet. She shares insight into choreographing within the company, including how collaboration, trust, and familiarity influence the studio dynamic.

We also get a sneak peek at the making of her new piece, Circles in Blue, a nostalgic work set to the music of Joni Mitchell that draws on her personal memories and a deep connection to the music.

About Sarah Martin

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Sarah Martin trained at BalletMet Columbus and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre before continuing her studies as a trainee with Charlotte Ballet and Richmond Ballet. She had the opportunity to perform multiple Balanchine works as a trainee with Richmond Ballet, including Who Cares? and Divertimento No. 15.

Since joining Madison Ballet in 2019, Sarah has appeared in classical works such as Paquita, Birthday Variations, The Nutcracker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has been able to work with choreographers such as Ja Malik, Richard Walters, Stephanie Martinez, Marika Brussel, Alia Kache, and Yury Yanowsky. In addition to performing, she teaches dance and yoga and continues to explore choreography. She enjoys being involved in the Madison dance community.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/smint4thewin/

See Circles in Blue by Sarah at Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

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Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928