Megan Fairchild is on our radar, and for good reason – she’s a celebrated ballerina in the final days of her nearly 25-year career with New York City Ballet. As she prepares to take her final bow in Coppélia, Fairchild is juggling the demands of being a mother to her three daughters, making time for school drop-offs, and navigating the chaos that comes with it. Despite her hectic schedule, Fairchild’s days are filled with the beauty of motherhood, from making breakfast for her girls to packing their lunches and accommodating their unique requests – like her daughter’s insistence on a hot lunch in a thermos.
As a prima ballerina, Fairchild’s career has been marked by her crystalline technique and steadfast presence in the Balanchine repertory. But offstage, her life is more relatable – she’s a mother who wakes up at 6:30 a.m. to sneak in a peaceful cup of coffee before the chaos of the day begins. She uses this time to check in on the world and get ready for the day ahead, which includes making breakfast for her girls and getting them ready for school. Fairchild’s love for her children is evident, and she cherishes the time she spends with them, even in the midst of her busy career.
Fairchild’s decision to retire from the stage and relocate to Bordeaux, France with her family is a significant one, but she’s ready to leave behind the demands of her career and focus on her family. As she reflects on her time as a performing working mom, Fairchild is savoring the final stretch of her career and looking forward to the new chapter that awaits her. With her unique blend of elegance and humility, Fairchild is an inspiration to many, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on long after her final bow.
