Sarah Hay

We were delighted to visit Sarah Hay at her home in Santa Barbara. A former ballet dancer, actor, and now new mother, Sarah...

Where were you born, and where do you live now?
Born in Princeton and long live Cali. 

How would you describe yourself (your art, your practice) in a nutshell?
Former ballet dancer, actor, mother, teacher, performing artist… the title is ever evolving at this point. 

What does a typical day look like for you lately?
I am currently in total bliss land since becoming a mother. Spending most of my days with my little one and husband getting to know her. 

How does creativity find its way into your world amidst the rhythms of motherhood?
I feel like becoming a mother has actually unlocked a new level of creativity for me. One of my concerns about becoming a parent was a fear that I would lose some piece of myself or my freedom.  And of course things have changed but I am so glad they have. I can barely remember the parts of my life I was afraid to let go of. And the rewards of having my daughter have made me so much more available to focus on presence, and therefore creativity. I feel more alive than ever. 

What practices or habits help you maintain your sense of peace and balance?
Peace and balance has always been movement for me. Finding a meditation practice has always been a challenge but movement gives me a place to drop in. I took many years off from dancing to heal from all the pressure and stress it brought me. Now with a fresh start post birth, I’ve been really making sure I sweat daily. When I was an athlete it was always about esthetic and performance and now it’s purely for health and feeling good in my body. 

Could you share a little about the space where you were photographed? Was it your home? Is there anything in that setting that holds special meaning for you - a favourite corner, object, or piece of furniture? (Or that beautiful tree!) The tree I’m sitting in is right outside of my window. It was the first time I climbed it. But it feels somehow appropriate that I am discussing so much about becoming a mother for the first time and then curiously climbing a tree. There has been a lot of that in my life recently as I get to relive some of these first time moments with my little girl.  It’s been so beautiful seeing things through her eyes. Getting to watch her really take in the trees and smell the flowers deeply. Healing all around. 

5 of your favourite things of now:
- A scent: lavender forever 
- A song: Dreamboat Annie- Heart 
- An artist: my husband Brandon Boyd all day 
- A meal: homemade pesto 
- An item of clothing: my moon vest for the fall in Cali 

Thank you, Sarah!

@sarahhayofficial