FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Sarah Knutson, a rising junior ballet student at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, won first prize in the National Society of Arts and Letters 2021 National Competition in Dance.

“Sarah Knutson worked so hard to achieve this honor,” said Sarah Wroth, chair of the Jacobs Ballet Department. “She not only performed according to every university COVID guideline, but she received acclaim for her ability to present a compelling, emotional performance while masked. The poise and refined technique Sarah demonstrated were a testament to her hard work and dedication throughout her time here at Jacobs.”

After placing first in the National Society of Arts and Letters state competition, held through its Bloomington chapter, Knutson spent numerous hours in the studio preparing several videos to submit to this year’s virtual national competition, knowing the scrutiny of a filmed ballet performance is much more intense than if it were live.

Knutson received coaching from faculty members Wroth and Carla Körbes for her classical ballet submission, “Black Swan Variation,” from Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s “Swan Lake.”

For her contemporary solo piece, Knutson challenged herself to perform a physical and emotional work created by faculty member Sasha Janes, “Last Lost Chance.”

“I am beyond grateful to have not only represented Bloomington this year at the NSAL national competition in dance, but to have placed first in it,” said Knutson. “It was an absolutely amazing experience to compete alongside such talented dancers from around the country and to have received feedback regarding my performances from prominent figures in the dance community. I am also very appreciative of all the help and support I received from both my teachers and friends here at Jacobs; I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this without them.”

From Baltimore, Maryland, Knutson began formal ballet training at Peabody Preparatory before attending Baltimore School for the Arts, where her performances included principal roles in George Balanchine’s “Serenade” and “Who Cares?,” among others.

During senior year of high school, Knutson attended the Miami City Ballet School in its pre-professional division and finished her academic graduation requirements by taking online classes.

At the Jacobs School of Music, Knutson has performed the principal role in Balanchine’s “Allegro Brillante” and roles in Michael Vernon’s “The Nutcracker.” Most recently, she danced the role of Kitri in the “Don Quixote Wedding Pas de Deux” by Marius Petipa.

In addition to ballet performance, she is pursuing an outside field in law and public policy.

Knutson placed fourth in the 2020 NSAL Bloomington Chapter Competition in Dance.