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New Ballet’s new leader brings ‘talent, aspiration, hope’ to young dancers

By , Daily Memphian Updated: August 19, 2025 2:51 PM CT | Published: March 26, 2024 1:02 PM CT

“No matter what I’m doing, I spend (time) investing in kids and neighborhoods. At New Ballet, I get to do it in a way that’s fresh and exciting.”

Related story:

Giving it a twirl: More Memphis schools offer ballet classes

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New Ballet Ensemble Matthew Best Katie Smythe Subscriber Only

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Sarah Dassinger

Sarah Dassinger

Sarah Dassinger grew up in Chicago and is a junior at Rhodes College, majoring in history with minors in philosophy and Spanish and is also completing a journalism certificate.


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