A school for
The Hairston School of Dance is a new dance studio in Cincinnati, Ohio for all ages and levels.
A home away from home
Get some homework done, let younger siblings play, or relax and chat. Our studio is here for your entire family to enjoy.
A warm and welcoming environment
We believe in the impact of a family friendly, understanding and positive environment. A place where students, families and faculty are connected for the impact of the family experience—a home away from home.
A place to learn and grow
It’s about progress, not perfection. At The Hairston School of Dance, we celebrate dancers as individuals who learn and grow in different ways. We find joy in our students' individual accomplishments and growth knowing we are impactful on who they become.
“My own ballet teacher shaped my life in the best of ways. She was like a second mother to me. Precise, elegant, and artistic, she embodied what I wanted to be as a dancer and a teacher. I want to provide that same example and experience for my own students.”
A Studio Just for You
- Three studios with intimate class settings
- Separate area for relaxing, studying, or working out
- Play area for younger family members
- Positive and supportive environment
- Guaranteed performance parts for all students
- Get-to-know-you events for families
Meet Sarah
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Ms. Hairston began her early ballet training at Charleston Ballet Theatre under Don and Patty Cantwell. At the age of 9, she continued her training in Columbia, South Carolina under the direction of Ann Brodie at the Calvert Brodie School of Dance. At 16, Ms. Hairston went on to attend and graduate from North Carolina School of the Arts. Upon graduation, Ms. Hairston joined Boston Ballet II and in 2001 joined Cincinnati Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member. Ms. Hairston was promoted to Soloist in 2006 and later to Principal in 2010 after a successful debut as Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty. Ms Hairston performed major roles such as Odette/ Odile in Swan Lake, Giselle and Myrtha in Giselle, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Sugar Plum and Snow Queen in Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker, and Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream. Ms. Hairston performed many Balanchine works such as The Siren in Prodigal Son, 2nd Movement in Symphony in C, The Man I Love from Who Cares, and Dark Angel in Serenade. Ms. Hairston is well known across the city for her portrayal of the Queen of Hearts in Alice and Wonderland.
Ms Hairston began teaching when she was 16 years old for her local studio Calvert Brodie School of Dance. Ms. Hairston has been an instructor in Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy while she was dancing and became their Academy Director from 2016- 2023. Ms Hairston danced many years with the Cinicnnati Opera and was invited to choreograph for Don Giovanni and Die Fledermaus. She was also invited to choreograph for Indiana University’s production of The Music Man. In 2023, Ms. Hairston opened The Hairston School of Dance.
Her favorite role is being a mom to her children Wrigley, Marley and Kaene!
Experience the Hairston Difference
