Sarah Dornink, Wardrobe Director
Q: What do you love about your career?
A: I love being able to create so many kinds of costumes. I get the full range from historical period pieces like Jekyll and Hyde to interpretive artistic pieces like Of Gravity and Light.
Q: What professional or personal accomplishments are most meaningful to you?
A: I am proud of being able to carve out a niche in this industry in Des Moines, Iowa.
Q: What are the personal values that drive you?
A: I believe in working on projects that you love and with nice people. If you follow those two things, then at the end of a week, when you’ve had way too many ups and downs, you’re still excited about the next project on the horizon.
Q: Who inspired you along the way and why?
A: My parents have always been an inspiration to me. They both owned their own businesses and followed their passions in their careers.
Q: What advice would you give to others starting in your industry?
A: Learn as much as you can about all aspects of fashion and design, as well as how to run a business. I would recommend working for a company outside of Des Moines to see how the industry functions. Being in fashion or costume design in a smaller city like Des Moines often means you create your own opportunities. Don’t be discouraged if it’s slow going to begin.
655 Walnut Street | Des Moines, IA 50309 | balletdesmoines.org
