Sarah Yoak
Chautauqua Institution
Marietta,OH
1
Certification
6
years of professional experience
I am a professional ballet dancer, educator, and arts administrator with experience in professional performance, dance instruction, customer service, sales, fashion, hospitality, and creative communication. I'm highly detail-oriented and adaptable, with a strong ability to manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and thrive in fast-paced environments; bringing a unique combination of artistic discipline, leadership, customer-facing experience, and administrative skills.
Work History
Dancer
- Perform as a professional company dancer with American Contemporary Ballet.
- Apply advanced classical ballet technique, musicality, artistry, and precision in a professional company environment.
- Collaborate closely with choreographers, artistic staff, and fellow dancers to maintain high performance standards.
- Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Administrative Assistant
1 Year 2 Months- Provide direct administrative support to the Managing Director of Chautauqua Dance.
- Distribute daily schedules and logistical information to more than 150 students and staff members.
- Coordinate rehearsals, schedules, and day-to-day operational needs.
- Manage email and phone correspondence with students, staff, guest artists, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate merchandise purchases and assist with administrative and sales-related tasks.
- Welcome, coordinate housing for, and support visiting guest faculty and staff.
- Resolve problems efficiently and handle errands and time-sensitive responsibilities in a fast-paced performing arts environment.
Pilates and Ballet Instructor
1 Year 2 Months- Teach private ballet lessons focused on technique, pointe, variations, artistry, and musicality.
- Instruct dancers ages 9–17 in Pilates using Joseph Pilates' methodology to improve strength, alignment, and ballet technique.
- Teach musical theatre to students ages 11–14, emphasizing choreography assimilation, performance quality, and attack.
- Introduce children ages 3–5 to movement and music through creative movement classes.
- Teach introductory ballet to ages 7–9, developing strong technical foundations and encouraging long-term artistic growth.
- Adapt instruction to different ages, abilities, learning styles, and developmental needs.
Fashion Model
2 Years 5 Months- Modeled vintage clothing for more than 8 hours per week for Instagram content and live sales.
- Described clothing materials, construction, and distinctive details to customers during live sales.
- Developed creative and unconventional approaches to styling vintage clothing.
- Contributed to sales of thousands of dollars in merchandise through modeling and live customer engagement.
- Built strong communication, presentation, product knowledge, and customer-service skills.
Lead Server
4 Years- Delivered attentive and professional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Served as a lead team member, helping coordinate front-of-house operations.
- Communicated effectively with customers and coworkers while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
- Handled administrative and organizational responsibilities in addition to daily service duties.
Apprentice Teacher
2 Years 8 Months- Assisted with Pilates instruction and developed practical knowledge of Pilates methodology in both Reformer and Mat Pilates.
- Supported instruction with an emphasis on body alignment, strength, movement quality, and safe technique.
- Applied knowledge of anatomy, movement, and dance training to Pilates instruction.
- Completed a comprehensive Mat and Reformer Pilates certification through Balanced Body.
Barista
1 Year 3 Months- Prepared and served coffee, beverages, and food items while maintaining speed, accuracy, and quality.
- Provided friendly, attentive customer service in a busy café and deli environment.
- Took customer orders, processed transactions, and handled cash and point-of-sale operations accurately.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and welcoming work environment.
- Communicated effectively with coworkers to coordinate orders and maintain efficient service.
- Multitasked across food preparation, beverage service, customer requests, and front-of-house responsibilities.
Sales Associate
4 Months- Provided personalized customer service and assisted customers in selecting clothing and products.
- Supported sales by understanding customer needs and recommending appropriate products.
- Maintained knowledge of merchandise, sizing, styles, and product details.
- Operated the point-of-sale system and processed purchases accurately.
- Maintained organized sales-floor displays and assisted with inventory and merchandising.
- Worked collaboratively with team members to meet store goals and create a welcoming shopping environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Ballet & English
Skills
Barista Skills
Food & Beverage Service
Customer Service
Cash Handling
Point of Sale (POS)
Multitasking
Communication
Food Preparation
Time Management
Teamwork
Retail Sales
Visual Merchandising
Product Knowledge
Upselling
Inventory
Dance & Movement
Classical Ballet
Pointe
Variations
Professional Dance Performance
Ballet Instruction
Pilates Instruction
Dance Education
Musical Theatre
Creative Movement
Administration & Professional
Administrative Support
Scheduling & Coordination
Organization
Attention to Detail
High Level of Accuracy
Problem-Solving
Team Collaboration
Customer & Retail
Creative
Fashion Modeling
Social Media
Fashion Styling
Creative Writing
Presentation
Certification
Ohio Department of Health PIC Certification
Mat and Reformer Pilates Certification - Balanced Body
Timeline
Dancer
American Contemporary Ballet
08.2026 - CurrentRead More
Administrative Assistant
Chautauqua Institution
06.2025 - CurrentRead More
Pilates and Ballet Instructor
Chautauqua Institution
06.2025 - CurrentRead More
Fashion Model
skullznbunniez
01.2024 - 06.2026Read More
Apprentice Teacher
Lotus Pilates
09.2023 - 05.2026Read More
Lead Server
House Of Wines & Dining
06.2022 - 06.2026Read More
Barista
Toasted Bagelry & Deli
02.2021 - 05.2022Read More
Sales Associate
Aerie
08.2020 - 12.2020Read More
Indiana University Bloomington
Bachelor of Science from Ballet & English
Read More
HONORS AND AWARDS
Premier Young Artist Award, Indiana University Bloomington, 08/01/23