Director • Teacher • Choreographer • Milspouse • Mom

Story by Liesel Schmidt

Photography Courtesy of the Metropolitan School of the Arts

As Co-Executive Director and Studio Director for Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA), music and artistic expression are a big part of Sara Hart’s professional life. In addition to leading the organization, she is a dance/theatre educator, director and choreographer for MSA, offering classes, experiences and performances in dance, music and theatre for students of all ages.

Passionate as she is about her work, there’s little wonder that her two children are involved in music—or that it’s a passion she shares with her husband, whose career with the US Army Chorus gives him some unique responsibilities of his own. “Matt’s job in the Army is very different,” she says. “When they are called to perform, this takes priority. Every week is different, but the challenges that come with that kind of schedule teach us a lot: life doesn't always work like a nine-to-five and be flexible and it will all work out. There have been a few roles or positions Matt has been tasked to which leave me with the responsibilities of work and home, but fortunately, I have always had my parents close by and wonderful family friends who help out.”

"Being a working mom shows my kids an example of hard work and the blessings and community that can come from that." - Sara Hart

Naturally, being a working mom comes with challenges, but Hart approaches the challenges with her focus on the bigger picture. “It’s organized chaos most of the time,” she admits. “I certainly don't remember what boredom feels like, and it can be exhausting. However, most of the time, it’s extremely rewarding. Being a working mom shows my kids an example of hard work and the blessings and community that can come from that. I also think being a working mom allows me to have my own thing, which only makes me a happier mom for my family. My job has also given my kids a supportive community full of adult mentors and student role models. They have so many people to look up to who have dedicated their time to working on their craft, made sacrifices and found success. It has also allowed them to enjoy the benefits that come from the performing arts and a performing arts community.”

The correlation between work and home is not lost on Hart, as she sees the ways her work makes her a better mother and vice versa. “The performing arts were crucial to so many students—and our patrons--during the difficult years of the pandemic. I’m incredibly proud that all of our hard work and dedication helped keep us alive,” she says. “I think this time in my career made me a better mom because my kids saw hard work, commitment and loyalty in action. You don't quit when things get hard. I think it also helped me become a better businesswoman because, having taken the position only a month before the pandemic, I had to not only learn the business, but also make informed and quick financial decisions. I became a better listener and a more confident leader having led during a time when so many of us felt insecure, unsure and stressed.”