Check Out Sarah Wallock’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Wallock.

Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
By the time I was 6 years-old, I was performing across Southern California with Santa Barbara Dance Arts. My early training happened right in the heart of the commercial dance industry, with world-renowned choreographers like Brian Friedman, WilldaBeast Adams, Tyce Diorio, Laurieann Gibson, and Nika Kljun. Those years taught me discipline, artistry, and what it means to perform at a high level. I didn’t realize that I was getting the kind of top-tier training people travel internationally to receive—it just felt like self-expression, fun, and community. The recognition and opportunities were exciting, but joy and connection always were the most important to me.

In New York at Bard College, my world of dance expanded massively. I trained in West African dance with Souleymane Badolo, Hip Hop with Quilan “Cue” Arnold, Ballet with Maria Simpson, Bronx-based Stepping, and Jazz Funk at Broadway Dance Center. I also grew as a choreographer, with my work regularly featured in productions. Those experiences opened me up to the global side of dance cultures where history and storytelling matter just as much as performance quality.

I headed across the world to New Zealand, where I trained with The Royal Family, one of the most iconic hip hop crews in the world, under Parris Goebel in her original Polyswagg style inspired by Dancehall. There, I experienced firsthand how community, cultural heritage, and artistry can fuse into something unforgettable. I had the desire to combine my love of dance with my inspiration from the mountains and founded Remarks Dance Crew in Queenstown that brought together dancers from different countries, training levels, and styles. It’s still thriving today and one of the things I’m most proud of. The mountains inspired me to merge athletic, outdoor living with dance, an approach I carried to Mammoth Lakes, where I built the first Hip Hop program.

Now in Boulder, I’m bringing these diverse experiences in Boulder Dance Crew. My dance community offers professional-quality programming that’s inclusive, joyful, and rooted in the same adventurous spirit that defines life in Colorado.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in the commercial dance industry, I was surrounded by environments that were judgmental and competitive at times. As much as I loved dance, those pressures were tough to navigate as a kid. Later, when I started my own crew in New Zealand, there were bumps too. Trying to keep a community connected, afford rental spaces, not get burnt out and stay hopeful through a global pandemic.

Moving to Boulder was another big leap of faith. I didn’t know a soul when I arrived, and I quickly realized the traditional studio model and typical adult classes weren’t the right fit for the kind of space I wanted to build. Each of those challenges shaped me, though—they pushed me to create something different: inclusive, joyful, professional-quality dance experiences where people can show up exactly as they are.

One of the most inspiring parts of Boulder is the nonprofit scene and ability to take that leap towards an inclusive, community space vs engaging in a for-profit model.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve worked for a decade in marketing the outdoor industry, which also prompted my move to Colorado three years ago and my adult years living and working and dancing in ski towns!

My career has included content writing, editing, brand management, social media strategy, sales partnerships, event coverage, and photography. I hold a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Bard College. I also run a travel blog, where’s wallock, where I document mountain living, international adventures, and outdoor recreation. Whether I’m gallivanting through the backcountry, flying down a powder run, teaching hip hop, or storytelling through writing and photography, I’m driven by the same purpose: to create work that connects people across cultures, inspires confidence and self-love, and unifies community.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can also support us by coming to Boulder Dance Crew’s open Monday night classes at Boulder Ballet, spreading the word, or donating what you can. We’re not here to create another exclusive program—we’re here to build community. We offers brand collaborations, modeling, performing at private events, custom choreography, private lessons, and even wedding dances—all infused with positivity, kindness, and top-notch training. Every booking and donation directly fuels our Community Fund, which keeps classes free, supports dancers, expands access, and ensures Boulder’s dance culture stays inclusive.

Pricing:

• Free Community Classes

Contact Info:

• Website: https://boulderdancecrew.wordpress.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderdancecrew/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/remarksdancecrew/

Image Credits
Paul Rayner
Remarks Dance Crew
Bard College Showcase
Breakdance Project Santa Barbara