Meet Sara Crossman | Dancer & Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Crossman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, is there something you believe many others might not?
“Setting goals leads us to success.”

One piece of conventional advice I disagree with is the emphasis on setting goals without considering how they fit into our long-term habits. I’ve been reflecting on this while reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, which offers a refreshing perspective. Clear argues that focusing solely on goals often leads to abandoning positive habits once the goal is achieved. Instead, he advocates for building systems that integrate these habits into our everyday lives, making them more sustainable.

For example, I’m training for the 2025 LA Marathon, and while the idea of crossing the finish line is exciting, my greater aim is to continue running consistently after the race. I want to identify as a “runner,” not just as someone who trains for a race and then never runs a mile again. This shift from focusing on “goals” to “systems” is subtle, but powerful—it allows me to build habits that support long-term well-being and fulfillment. Ultimately, changing my mindset from a goal-oriented to a system-oriented approach is key to stay more disciplined in the long run and therefore achieve ongoing success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Southern California native who began my dance training at 7 years old at a studio in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Growing up at my dance studio, I was never the most naturally gifted dancer and often earned the “Most Improved” award at our yearly banquets. But when I joined the studio’s competitive team at age 12, I became fully engrossed in the sport and pushed myself to work twice as hard as everyone else to catch up, since I started later than most of the other dancers. I majored in both Dance and Strategic & Corporate Communication at Chapman University, and once I moved out to LA to pursue a commercial dance career I signed with Go2 Talent Agency. I have performed at EDC Las Vegas, helped with Coachella sets (the next goal is to book a Coachella performance), assisted for the Laker Girls, and am very excited for an upcoming show at Mohegan Sun Stadium in Connecticut this February!

The most important factor that sets me apart from others is versatility. As a dancer, I’m constantly working to expand my range—whether it’s styles like jazz, hip hop, heels, musical theater, training in singing, or all things fitness. I love pushing my boundaries in different styles and experiences, and I see my brand as limitless. One experience that truly tested my versatility was in 2023 when I performed for two months at the Los Angeles Theater in an immersive horror production. The choreographer constantly emphasized how vital it was to be a technically skilled dancer who could also engage with the audience in extreme ways—whether that was screaming in their faces, contorting into unsettling poses, or creating an eerie atmosphere. This project was an incredible challenge and helped me grow both as a dancer and an actress. Another key element that helps me connect with people and that I”m always proud of is my humor! Being in the room or on projects with funny, light-hearted people makes every job more enjoyable, and I truly believe that emotional intelligence and the simple talent of making others laugh is just as important as the technical skills we bring to the table. A few habits that have helped me succeed are consistency, treating others with kindness and respect, and striving to be the best without expecting anything in return. These principles have shaped my journey in all aspects of my life and helped me reach where I am today.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I always get overwhelmed when people visit me in LA because there’s so much to do! I think food wise I would absolutely take them to grab breakfast burritos at Saby’s cafe in Mar Vista, Tatsu Ramen, and Ospi to experience the best spicy rigatoni around town. The Brentwood and Studio City farmer’s markets are always so charming and we would HAVE to stop at Yeastie Boys parked on the street and grab a bagel with a hash brown on it. I have enjoyed so many precious hangouts at Lake Hollywood Park and, of course, they can snap an adorable picture in front of the iconic sign! Finally, I would bring them home to my parents in Palos Verdes to stroll around Redondo Beach and catch the sunset at the stunning cliffs by Terranea Resort.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe everything to my family! It’s difficult to put into words how much my parents, Mark and Diana, have done for my career. The countless dance classes, the pep talks before and after every audition, and maybe a couple college degrees here and there—I am forever thankful to everything they have done for me. My sister, Claire, never fails to make me laugh whenever I’m down about something and she constantly reminds me of my worth as an artist and a human. They’re all cheering me on at every show, job interview, and important life events and I can’t imagine doing anything without them.

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