Sarah Barnard

Bio

Sarah Barnard has been making dances for as long as she can remember. She began formal training at the age of eight, quickly developing not only a love for movement but also a curiosity about choreography and collaboration. Over the years, her journey as an artist has taken her from small studios to professional stages, allowing her to refine her technique, cultivate her creative voice, and build a career dedicated to both performance and community-building.

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From 2011 to 2018, Sarah danced professionally in Charlotte, North Carolina, working with a variety of grassroots and larger nonprofit companies throughout the area. These experiences gave her a deep appreciation for the power of dance to bring people together, whether in intimate settings or on larger stages. Performing across such a broad spectrum of organizations helped her develop adaptability, versatility, and a commitment to authentic artistic expression.

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In the summer of 2018, Sarah relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where she continues to move, collaborate, and create new dance visions. Her leadership role as Artistic Director of Wingspan Dance, which she has held since 2012, has become a cornerstone of her work. Under her guidance, Wingspan Dance has evolved into a vibrant collective of adult dancers in their 20s through 40s, providing a safe, inclusive space where artists can learn from one another, grow as humans, and thrive as collaborators. Sarah’s approach emphasizes not only technical skill but also mutual respect, curiosity, and shared creative risk-taking—values that resonate deeply with the Madison dance community.

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Teaching has always been another pillar of Sarah’s practice. Having begun instructing ballet and modern dance as a high school senior, she now brings over two decades of teaching experience to her students. Her classes emphasize strong foundations, musicality, and expressive movement while also nurturing confidence and individuality. Sarah’s passion for connecting with other artists extends beyond the studio; she is constantly seeking the unusual, the unique, and the beautiful in both life and dance, weaving those discoveries into her choreography and educational work.

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Within Madison Contemporary Dance, Sarah wears many hats—Board Member, teacher, collaborator, newsletter editor, and stage manager. She brings a steady hand and keen eye to the behind-the-scenes details that make productions run smoothly, from coordinating logistics to ensuring costumes and cues are in place. Her blend of artistry and organization has made her a trusted figure in both the creative and operational sides of the company.

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Sarah believes that dance is not just a discipline but a way of seeing and engaging with the world. Whether she is leading rehearsals, teaching classes, writing newsletters, or managing a stage, she approaches each role with a spirit of generosity and curiosity.

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Contact

For inquiries about Stage Managing, People Management, Costume Organizing, or Dance Consulting, please email her at wingspandance2012@gmail.com

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