Sarah Burke 2006
From the studios of St. Catherine's to the stages and screens of New York City, Sarah's journey is a testament to the passion and perseverance this school works to cultivate in every young woman who walks through its doors.
From the studios of St. Catherine's to the stages and screens of New York City, Sarah's journey is a testament to the passion and perseverance this school works to cultivate in every young woman who walks through its doors.
Sarah is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator whose career spans some of the most prestigious venues in the country; from Madison Square Garden and Lincoln Center to the Kennedy Center. She has brought her artistry to television, live performance, and brand partnerships, building a career that is as versatile as it is accomplished.
However, what makes Sarah's story especially fitting for this award is not just where she has performed, it is how she has chosen to give back.
As an adjunct professor at Rider University, Sarah teaches hip-hop and performance to the next generation of musical theatre artists, shaping young performers with the same dedication that shaped her. She understands that excellence is not just something you achieve, it is something you pass on. Her commitment to teaching has graced our own campus as she has come back several times to teach the girls here at St. Catherine’s.
She has also extended her reach far beyond the stage, serving as a trainer for Start TODAY, the wellness platform of NBC's Today Show, where she brings movement and fitness to broad audiences, making dance accessible, joyful, and transformative for people who may never set foot in a studio.
Sarah’s journey and passion for dance began here in the Joni Rodman Dance Theatre and she continues to influence the next generation of Joni dancers, visiting campus as a guest artist on multiple occasions.
In 2023, her choreography was seen in the first two student performances in Endeavour Hall: Senior Dance Recital (SDR) and the Revolting Children number in Ampersand performance of Matilda. She has become a student favorite and the kids look forward to any opportunity for a class with Sarah.
St. Catherine’s Director of Arts, Kendall Neely notes, “Sarah has the unique ability to connect immediately with her students. Whether working with a small group or teaching a class of 100 New Yorkers.
She makes every person feel that they are the only one in the room. Her energy impacts every individual in a unique way and whether your interaction with her is brief or extensive, you will discover your best self in Sarah’s presence.”
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Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St. Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
