At just 13 years old, ballet dancer Sarah Gibbons will grace the stage in Ballet Arts’ upcoming production of Snow White as the young Snow White. This is Gibbons first solo performance in a Ballet Arts production and one that comes after 11 years of study in her craft.
“I have been in Ballet Arts under Ms. Pat (Brown) for three years and I have taken dance lessons from Kim Holley for 11 years,” said Gibbons, who will also play a butterfly in the production.
Gibbons has been in other Ballet Arts productions that include the Nutcracker, four times; Peter and the Wolf and Peter Pan. She considers those roles just as important and good training for how she continues to grow as dancer. Gibbons preparation for the Snow White audition was a little bit different than for previous productions with her taking extra dance classes to hone her skill.
The dance company has been in rehearsal for Snow White since the beginning of February. Along with dancing, Gibbons is learning how to add more acting into her performance.
“I am trying to portray that Snow White and her dad, the king, were happy before the queen came,” said Gibbons. “I have had to learn to use more facial expressions.”
Gibbons, who is an eighth grade homeschooled student, likes how there are many different styles of dance. She believes having the solo part has made her a more disciplined and skilled dancer. Much of her free time is spent studying the art.
“I don’t have much time, but I’m usually at a friends’ house, on my phone or working on dances,” said Gibbons.
An interest in fine arts runs in the family. Her brother, Avery Gibbons, dances and is very involved in theatre at South Side High School and her grandmother, Rosalee Gibbons, is an artist. Gibbons family is extremely supportive of her interest in ballet.
“They make sure I get to my rehearsals and classes, and also that I have everything I need,” said Gibbons.
A pleasure she receives from dancing while on the stage is entertaining others. 
One important characteristic of a ballet dancer she believes is necessary is learning how to take correction. Each night she steps on the stage, Gibbons wants to perform better than she did the day before.
Gibbons will remember this experience and appreciates being able to share the stage with her friends.
“My friends make me laugh,” said Gibbons, who shared traditional pre-performance words. “I want to tell them to break a leg!”
Long-term, Gibbons is not certain if she will pursue ballet, but does know she would like to do some form of dance.
When asked what she would share with a young person who would like to study ballet, Gibbons responded. “Hard work pays off!”
Gibbons is a native of Jackson and loves living here, because of her family and friends. You can find her hanging out at Sky Zone Jackson or the mall, and catching a meal at Longhorn Steakhouse, which is her favorite restaurant. She shared her three things people should do if they visit the Jackson area.
“They should visit the Casey Jones Village, Pinson Mounds and see a Ballet Arts Production,” said Gibbons.
Sarah Gibbons will perform in Ballet Arts’ production of Snow White at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29. There will be a school performance on Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m., an evening performance on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. and a matinee performance on Sunday, March 29 at 2 p.m.
Website: Ballet Arts
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Photo Credit: Sarah dancing by Saige Turner Photography.
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