In a heartwarming announcement, principal dancer Sara Mearns of the New York City Ballet has revealed her engagement to Gavin Kelley, director of an art organisation. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Mearns expressed profound joy in their partnership, stating, “Being a human for 40 years and a dancer for 37 of them has led me to my soulmate.”
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Mearns, 40, emphasised her commitment to Kelley, aged 50, by alluding to the experiences that have shaped her over the years. “I would go through all of the good and the bad again if it meant he was on the other side,” she remarked, highlighting the deep bond they share. The couple has maintained a relatively low profile regarding their long-term relationship, choosing to keep their personal lives out of the public eye.
A celebrated figure in the ballet community, Mearns has performed with the New York City Ballet for nearly two decades. Prior to her engagement with Kelley, she was married to notable choreographer Joshua Bergasse from 2018 to 2024. In a heartfelt post during the 2025 holiday season, Mearns publicly shared a glimpse of their relationship, showcasing a tender moment where Kelley presented her with flowers following one of her performances. Capturing this intimate scene, she captioned the photograph on Instagram: “Happy Holidays ❤️❤️❤️,” reflecting the joy of the season and their connection.
At the time of the post, Mearns was starring as the Sugarplum Fairy in the company’s adaptation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, a role that resonates deeply with her during the festive period. Despite personal challenges, including a recent diagnosis of nerve hearing loss, her determination to excel has only intensified. Mearns came forward about her condition, revealing that the 2025 holiday season marked her first performance in The Nutcracker while wearing hearing aids.
As an ambassador for Phonak, Mearns openly discusses her hearing loss journey and its impact on her life. She shared a poignant moment from an event where a mother approached her, grateful for her candidness. “Thank you so much for talking about this. Because now my son feels like he has a path. That he has a chance,” the mother said, highlighting the significance of Mearns’ advocacy for others facing similar challenges.
Reflecting upon her journey, Mearns noted that her hearing impairment had previously affected her personal life and mental health in ways she initially did not realise. However, the introduction of hearing aids has led to a significant transformation in her ballet performances. Mearns recounted the emotional experience of wearing her aids for the first time, stating, “I went on stage, and it felt like everything made sense.” This sense of clarity allowed her to fully engage with the music and her fellow performers, elevating her artistry to new heights.
The subsequent performance left an indelible mark on her. “I could hear every single instrument in the orchestra, and I didn’t have to rely on my partner to know when to walk out,” Mearns described, adding that the overwhelming experience brought her to tears afterwards. It was a pivotal moment for her, signifying a new chapter in both her personal and professional life.
With aspirations of empowering those with similar experiences, Mearns expressed her desire to foster a supportive community. “I want to help people and I want them to feel good and I want them to feel empowered in the way that I feel,” she articulated. This dedication to advocacy resonates deeply with her, as she hopes to inspire others to view their challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
As Mearns and Kelley embark on this next chapter together, the ballet world and her supporters celebrate not only their engagement but also Mearns’ courageous journey towards acceptance and empowerment. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the ability to overcome adversity, inspiring many both within and outside the dance community.