Executive Director

Dance has been and always will be a part of Sarah's life. Serving as Executive Director is truly a full-circle moment for her, having started at Southold at nearly three years old with Bonnie Bollini Baxter serving as her first instructor of thirteen years! After returning to the stage four years ago, as a Party Parent, she was excited to remain in that role with the return of the collaboration with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, reminiscent of her ten childhood performances of The Nutcracker with Southold Dance Theater! Sarah was also very fond of the Spring Concerts and Community Outreach endeavors. She enjoys watching Southold’s “why” (the dancers) have some of the same and even more amazing experiences whilst remaining open to as well as actively seeking more opportunities to consistently engage with the community and educate others about the gem that Southold is! 

 

Miss Sarah M. Taylor was born in Elkhart and raised in South Bend, IN by Mrs. Vera and the late David Taylor. She is the younger sister of John David (Amy) & Sean (Terri), aunt of three lovely nieces, Abby, Morgan, & Arianna, a nephew, Xavier, and a Godmother of two, Jakai and Mila!  She is a proud product of the South Bend Schools, an alumnus of Indiana University Bloomington, and holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Trine University! In Bloomington, Sarah danced with the African-American Dance Company (AADC) under the direction of Professor Iris Rosa for eight Seasons, performing works rooted in the fusion of many dance styles, including but not limited to West Indian/Jamaican, Afro-Cuban, and West African styles, salsa, jazz, ballet, and modern. 

 

Sarah sings Soprano in the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church mass choir! She serves as the Historian of the South Bend Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, on the South Bend Civic Theatre Board of Directors, and was named in the Michiana Forty Under 40 Class of 2022. Sarah has also been able to pair her love of dance and singing by participating in several musicals with Premier Arts in Elkhart; Little Shop of Horrors, SpongeBob the Musical, and The Drowsy Chaperone!  She was an inaugural recipient of the South Bend Empowerment Zone’s Excellence and Service Award and recently received the Indiana University Bloomington, Neal-Marshall Alumni Club’s Exemplar Award. Sarah enjoys spending time with family and traveling.  The Arts, serving youth, and giving back to the community are her passions. Miss Taylor truly believes in helping all people unlock their potential and is looking forward to helping Southold thrive and live the mission of its nearly 50-year rich history! 

 

Sarah is thankful to the Board of Directors, Calin, Fiona, the Faculty and Staff, families, and dancers for entrusting her with such an amazing opportunity to guide the Southold Family to the next level and beyond!