Sarah Vah on Her Passion for Dance and Working with Kids
By Sarah Hixon, artist director of Hixon Dance
Sarah Hixon, artistic director of Hixon Dance, sat down with company dancer Sarah Vah to talk about her work with the company and what she finds inspiring. She’ll be performing with Hixon Dance in A Vanishing Point next March.
Sarah: This is your third season performing with Hixon Dance. What do you like about dancing with Hixon Dance company?
Sarah: What I have enjoyed the most about dancing with Hixon Dance is the creative collaboration we all get to experience with each other and our director, Sarah Hixon. I joined the company at the same time as four other current company members. We all clicked with each other and the company itself really fast and I think that’s a big reason why I’m dancing for a third season! I believe dance is one of the best ways to get close to people. I think having that bond between everyone in the company is very important when generating movement with and/or for each other.
Sarah: The company is preparing to perform at the Cleveland Dance Festival in November, and A Vanishing Point in March. What are you most excited about or looking forward to?
Sarah: I am really looking forward to our performances in Cleveland, especially because this year CDF is at Playhouse Square. I’ve seen so many incredible performances there, so getting to perform there myself is something I’ve been really excited about! Our show in March is always special to me because it brings all our hard work throughout the season to the stage. Performing on stage gives me such a thrill, so anytime I get that chance I cherish it.
Sarah: What is something you want readers to know about you?
Sarah: I have a very strong passion for working with kids. Some of the most fulfilling parts of my week are when I get to teach my dance classes and help shape the next generation of artists! I absolutely love sharing my love for dance with them and watching them grow. Along with my BA in dance studies, I received a double minor in entrepreneurship and disability studies. I am a very strong advocate for individuals with disabilities and am very passionate about spreading awareness and inclusion throughout my personal communities.
Sarah: What’s on your current playlist?
Sarah: I have recently gotten into the artist ROLE MODEL. I am also a big fan of Tate McRae; her newest song “TIT FOR TAT” is on repeat in my car. Other artists I have on repeat at the moment are Twenty One Pilots, Zara Larsson, Sabrina Carpenter and KATSEYE. Of course, I can never go wrong with a good Harry Styles or One Direction song either.
Sarah: What is one of your favorite things about Columbus?
Sarah: Columbus is home for me. I grew up here and was so excited to move back after college. I love the sense of comfort it brings me and all of the opportunities it has to offer! Even with living here almost my whole life, there are still so many things I have yet to explore, which is another thing I love. Go Bucks!
See Sarah Vah perform with Hixon Dance in A Vanishing Point at Columbus Dance Theatre on March 20-22, 2026.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.