Sarah Reasons is a star on the rise.

While you may recognize the teen dancer from her guest spot on the Lifetime reality series Dance Moms, Sarah’s dance career is full of shining moments.  The 17-year-old was practically raised in the dance studio, where her mom was a dance instructor, and started taking classes when she was just a toddler.

Since then, Sarah has worked on music videos, danced in competitions, and is filming a new show, all while attending high school!

Everly Mag talked to Sarah about Dance Moms, her passion for dance, balancing dance with being an everyday teen, and what’s next in her career!

Everly Mag: When did you know you had a passion for dancing?

Sarah: I knew at a very young age [that] I had a passion for dance.  I believe that a passion should consume every part of your heart and soul.  That’s what dance is to me.  [Dance] has been such a huge part of my life and has taught me so many things like discipline, confidence, humility, and perseverance.

Everly Mag: What have been the top 3 highlights of your dance career so far?

Sarah: My top 3 would definitely be working on Walk the Moon’s music video for “Work This Body,” Dance Moms, and the brand-new show I am filming this month.

Working with Walk the Moon was such a fun experience.  Shooting music videos is so different [from] anything else I have done behind a camera.  It’s very fast-paced!  This particular video was so fun because we got to have a giant food fight.

Dance Moms was such an amazing experience for me.  It was stressful at times, which should be expected with Abby [Lee Miller] and the moms!  Seriously though, I learned a lot from Abby and Gianna [Martello] and made some of [my] best friends from the cast.

I am so excited to announce that I am currently filming a new show!  I can’t wait to share all the details, and promise it will be really soon.

Everly Mag: What’s the best part of being a dancer?

Sarah: The opportunities and the doors [dance] has opened for me.

Everly Mag: What’s the biggest challenge of being a dancer?  How do you handle these challenges?

Sarah: The sacrifices and having to miss out on regular teenage things.  There are many times I can remember missing out on birthday parties, outings with friends, and vacations because I had dance competitions, rehearsals, or class.  You do get used to it, and it’s worth it when [you’re doing] what you love.

I handle the challenges by knowing that all my hard work and sacrifices will pay off.  Also, knowing that during any difficult times I go through, dance gets me through it all.

Everly Mag: What’s it like to balance school, dance, and being an everyday teen?

Sarah: Balancing it all is tough!  I dance around 15 hours a week at a studio, almost 5 hours for Pom at my school, as well as weekend master classes, conventions, and clinics.  I also travel to LA [from Arizona] a couple times a month for work or classes.  That alone keeps me so busy!  However, I love my school and being on the Pom team with my friends.  [It] makes me feel like a regular teen.

Everly Mag: What was it like appearing on Dance Moms?  What were the best and hardest parts of the experience?

Sarah: Being on Dance Moms was actually really fun.  [It was] definitely one of the best experiences of my life.  One of the best parts of being on the show was learning how the production works and learning to work behind a camera.  But, ultimately, the best part was the friends I made.

It was stressful at times, though.  You never really knew what to expect moment-to-moment, and you better be ready for anything they threw at you.  I think that is why all of us girls were so close.  We had each other when things got tough!

Everly Mag: What did you learn from being on Dance Moms?  Would you do it again?

Sarah: I learned so much.  One of the most important things I learned was how to handle working in a stressful environment.  When you watch the show, people only see a tiny portion of what happens behind-the-scenes.  There is so much that isn’t aired.

If [Dance Moms] were still on, I am not sure that I would go back.  I have lots of new things I am working on now.  However, I am forever grateful for the experience.

Everly Mag: Tell us about your best friends.  What do you look for in a friend and what do you like to do with your friends?

Sarah: My best friends would definitely be the girls on my Pom team at school and on my team at my dance studio.  I am also really close to many of the girls from the Dance Moms cast.

What I look for in a friend is someone who understands my lifestyle and is supportive.  It’s hard to tell your friends you can’t hang out because of dance and other things you have going on.  So, it’s great having friends that understand.  When I have time to hang out with my friends, I actually like doing regular teenage things like shopping, going to movies, [and] going out to eat.

Everly Mag: What’s a friendship you have that teaches you a lot or inspires you?

Sarah: One of my greatest friendships is with one of my [dance] instructors, Alexa Moffett.  Alexa has taught me so much about myself and [is] someone that I have watched persevere through so much.  She has always been that person that believed in me and has taught me to work hard for everything I want and never give up.

Video: Sarah Reasons dancing to choreography by Alexa Moffett.

Everly Mag: Describe your personality in 5 words.

Sarah: Haha, this is hard!  I would say I am nice, hardworking, not shy but kind of quiet, a little nerdy because I actually love Harry Potter and reading, and my friends say I am funny.

Everly Mag: What are the top 3 most important things in your life?

Sarah: My family, friends, and of course, dance.  All three are what make me who I am.

Everly Mag: Who inspires you in your dance career?

Sarah: My inspirations are those in the dance industry who came before and built the dance world to what it is today.  Bob Fosse, Alvin Ailey, Mia Michaels, and Travis Wall, just to name a few.

Everly Mag: What can our readers expect to see from you this year?

Sarah: So far, this year has been amazing!  First of all, Casteel High School Pom team (my high school) took the state championship in January!  It was such an amazing experience for me.  I’ve been homeschooled for the past 5 years so this is my first year in a real high school.  It’s been so fun and I have made so many friends!

Definitely, you will see lots involving dance from me.  But, the most exciting thing is my new show!  Can’t wait to share all the details!

Everly Mag: What do you hope for your future?  Where do you want to be 5 years from now?

Sarah: I would love to continue acting and dancing.  I also would like to attend college and possibly dance on a college team.  In 5 years, I would like to be graduated from college and working!

Everly Mag: What’s your best advice for aspiring young dancers?

Sarah: Work hard and never give up on your dreams.  Surround yourself with positive role models and learn from those who have paved the way for them.

Everly Mag: Finally, what are some of your favorite things?

Sarah: Here are a few things that people may not know about me… I am a huge book nerd!  I love to read.  I also love to travel.  Some of my favorite places I’ve been are London, Paris, the Caribbean, and New York.   I love to eat!  My favorite foods are anything from Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, and breakfast burritos.  My favorite TV shows are Teen Wolf, Riverdale, The Office, Friends, and Gossip Girl.  Favorite movie of all time is Top Gun.  People would probably be surprised by my taste in music.  I love old and new music.  I am not a huge country fan but it is growing on me!

Last but not least, is [that] I love shopping!  But then again, what girl doesn’t?!

Did you catch Sarah’s Instagram story takeover on Everly Mag?  Be sure to follow Sarah and Everly Mag on Instagram today for all the latest updates!

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy reading:

• Interview: Dancer and Actress Ciara Wilson
• Fandom Friday: Dance Moms Edition!
• Interview: Actress Emily Skinner
• Quiz: Who Are You In the Ziegler Family?

Feature Image Credit: Sarah Reasons / SMAC Photography