Who is Sara Black?
I’m an artist, mother, partner, contemporary dancer, teacher and maker. I grew up in the countryside riding horses, climbing trees and spending holidays by the beach. After years of travelling and touring internationally, living in Melbourne, Sydney and London, I’ve found myself drawn back home.
I now live on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra with my family, surrounded by nature and close to the hobby farm where I grew up. I’m the Associate Director of Australian Dance Party, and I continue to perform with and for independent artists and dance companies.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I often wonder what life would look like if I didn’t dance. Perhaps something in design, or movement therapy or working with animals. But at the end of the day, I think I’m a performer and maker at heart.
In an alternate universe though, I’m definitely a jazz singer in a red dress beside a grand piano. There’s still time for that version of me yet!
Who inspires you and why?
My partner inspires me because he’s never afraid to try something new and dives wholeheartedly into life. My children inspire me daily through the way they see the world, with curiosity, honesty and imagination.
And my friends, scattered across the globe, continually inspire me through the art they create, their resilience, and the way they continue to show up for one another despite the distance between us.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe art can bring joy, inspire change and expand our sense of what’s possible. It can offer both escape and hope. For me, making a difference is about helping people connect with movement, dance and self-expression, creating spaces where people can feel more connected to themselves and to each other.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Anywhere with water. A place where I can dive in, float, sit quietly beside it or simply watch it move. Water feels deeply healing to me, whether it’s the ocean, a river, the family dam or even a swimming pool. But the beach will always mean “holiday” – especially the south coast of NSW.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I always take visitors to the Cotter River on Ngunnawal Country. It’s one of those places that invites you to slow down. We’ll picnic, swim, walk and spend time in nature together. It’s the perfect setting to reconnect and be present.
What are you currently reading?
I usually have a few books open at once and pick whichever suits the mood of the moment. Currently:
- The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
- Secrets of Aboriginal Healing by Gary Holz
- The Vagus Nerve Reset by Anna Ferguson
What are you currently listening to?
At the moment, I keep returning to:
- This Music May Contain Hope by RAYE
- Trying Times by James Blake
I guess their titles balance each other out!
Happiness is?
The little things. Cuddles, tea, good music, fresh air, animals and long laughs with friends. Right now, I’m sitting on the sofa with a cup of tea, my two cats and my son beside me. It feels like a perfect moment. That’s happiness. Also making things with friends, people who inspire you but also make you laugh. That is part of my happiness
What does the future hold for you?
I honestly have no idea, and I think that’s part of the excitement. I never imagined I’d still be dancing professionally at 41, performing across three different productions in a single year.
Whatever comes next, I hope it’s inspiring, adventurous and filled with those small, beautiful moments of happiness along the way.
Sara is a soloist performer in Glow, part of the inaugural Australian Dance Biennale and RISING. Glow runs from 27 – 31 May 2026 at the Chunky Move Studios. Sara was an original soloist when Glow first premiered in 2006 and is now returning for its 20th anniversary revival at RISING.
Image: Sara Black (supplied)