Name: Sara Mearns
Age: 24
Neighborhood: Hell’s Kitchen/Lincoln Center
Occupation: Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet; dancer chairman for the ballet’s Dance With the Dancers benefit on Monday, June 14.
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Derek Jeter.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Too many to choose from. If I had to choose, probably a hole-in-the-wall Italian place.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
Dance my butt off.
Would you live here on a $35,000 salary?
I would try my damn hardest. Three roommates. In the outskirts of Queens. Whatever it took. New York is irreplaceable.
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Guilty as charged. It’s been a while. I want to say Cabaret. It is my favorite show.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
No.
What’s your drink?
Vodka … nice and cold.
How often do you prepare your own meals?
I love making my own salads … big ones. Almost every weeknight.
What’s your favorite medication?
Advil.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
A painting of a studio (possibly a ballet studio) with huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
Well, it is New York, and when it’s good it’s worth it. But I will say for just a cut, I wouldn’t go over $200.
When’s bedtime?
When I fall asleep … I’m lucky if that’s before 12:30.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
The new Times Square! More space. Less cabs.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
He’s got a nice executive suite at the U.S. Open tennis grounds. I got to watch Andy Roddick play while sitting next to Donald. Thanks, Donald!
What do you hate most about living in New York?
The tourists.
Who is your mortal enemy?
SHE will not be named … ha-ha.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
About a month and a half ago. I try not to go too long. I love driving.
How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
Fortunately, not directly.
Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times.
Where do you go to be alone?
The 68th Street Pier on the Hudson. Sunset is beautiful.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
When you can tell the person next to you is not.
