Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Sutton and Sarah Van Der Meulen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Life has a funny way of connecting people, sometimes even before they know it. For Shelby and Sarah, their bond began long before they actually met—thanks to their moms, who had been on the same high school dance team over 30 years ago. Though their families were always connected, it wasn’t until adulthood that Shelby and Sarah’s paths truly crossed in a way that would change both of their lives forever.
The two women had always shared a love for dance and performance, but their personal journeys took different paths until fate brought them together. It all began when Sarah, dreaming of working for Disney, reached out to Shelby through a direct message on social media in 2022. Sarah knew Shelby had been a performer at Disney for years, and she wanted advice on how to make her own dreams come true. Little did Sarah know, this message would lead to a much deeper connection than just professional advice.
Shortly after, Shelby faced a significant life challenge—a major knee surgery that would require her to take time off from dancing and performing. As she began her recovery, she realized that she could turn this setback into an opportunity to support Sarah in achieving her dreams. Shelby offered Sarah a place to stay in her house while Shelby temporarily moved back in with her parents to recover. It wasn’t just a place to live; it was an opportunity for Sarah to be closer to the action and continue working toward her goals.
When they eventually were able to live under the same roof, the two women grew closer, sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. They quickly realized that they were more than just housemates—they were partners in dreams, best friends, and, in many ways, sisters. They began to dance together, perform together, and experience the magic of Disney together. Their shared love for performing became the foundation of their friendship and fueled their determination to succeed in a competitive industry.
Soon, the dream they both had of dancing and performing for Disney became a reality. Shelby and Sarah worked hard, supporting each other along the way. But their success didn’t stop there. They also found themselves excelling in their Disney careers, performing in various other shows around Orlando, and even working for the same dance competition, traveling all over the country and experiencing life together on the road. Their shared journey not only strengthened their professional careers but also solidified their deep, sister-like bond.
In addition to their performances, Shelby and Sarah began collaborating on social media. They launched a joint account, “ShelbsandSarah” where they create content centered around wellness, beauty, dance, and entertainment. Through their platform, they have been able to connect with others, influence their followers, and share their passions with the world.
What sets Shelby and Sarah apart isn’t just their shared love for dance and performance; it’s their commitment to lifting each other up. Their relationship goes beyond friendship; it’s built on mutual respect, love, and a drive to help each other succeed. They’ve become more than just best friends—they’ve become family. And as they continue to pursue their dreams, they know that no matter where life takes them, they’ll always have each other.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entertainment industry is filled with fierce competition, constant pressure, and physical demands, and both Sarah and Shelby have faced these challenges head-on. They’ve had to work hard to stay relevant in a constantly evolving field, pushing through exhaustion, injuries, and the mental toll of rejection. Despite setbacks, they’ve shown resilience, adapting to new trends and continually refining their skills. Their success is a testament to their unwavering determination, hard work, and the ability to persevere through the tough realities of the business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Shelby and Sarah both have impressive careers in the dance industry, though their paths differ in some ways.
Shelby is a professional dancer turned choreographer. After spending seven years performing at Disney, performing in shows such as “Fantasmic!”, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire”, “DJ’s Ready Set Dance Party”, and opening cast of “Mickey’s 50th Cavalcade, she made the transition to choreography, recently completing an internship at Disney as a Maintenance Choreographer. Shelby now owns her own business as a virtual dance instructor, teaching children all over the United States. She also travels across the Southeast to choreograph for dance studios and teams. In addition, Shelby has a passion for rhinestoning costumes, combining her love for creativity and detail.
Sarah, on the other hand, is a dancer at Walt Disney World, performing in shows like The Festival of The Lion King and the Festival of Fantasy Parade. She also dances at Universal Studios, taking on the role of a Beaubaton in the TriWizard Spirit Rally. Sarah also performs in various shows around Orlando for different choreographers by showcasing their choreography to local dance enthusiasts.
In addition to their many roles, Shelby and Sarah both work for Dance Mania Inc., a dance competition organization. Shelby contributes as an Awards Coordinator and a Backstage Manager, while Sarah serves as an Improv Competition Host and Social Media Coordinator. Together, they enjoy being actively involved in the dance community and supporting dance in a variety of ways.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Sarah, a daughter of Melissa and Ashley van der Meulen, grew up in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. From a young age of two, she immersed herself in the world of dance, attending Helena Hosch School of Dance. Her dedication to the art, coupled with the unwavering support from her family, propelled her to remarkable achievements. In 2021, she was crowned Miss Dance of America, a testament to her talent and hard work.
Sarah’s dance journey was fueled by the guidance of esteemed instructors like Helena Hosch, Shannon, Fortenberry, Staci Nicoll, and Lexis Nicoll, who became more than just teachers but also her chosen family. Their expertise and mentorship played a pivotal role in her training and success.
Beyond her rigorous dance training, Sarah demonstrated remarkable academic prowess by attending an advanced studies school. She managed to excel academically while pursuing her passion for dance, proving that success can be achieved without compromising one’s education.
She has also maintained a strong social life throughout her adolescence, valuing connections and friendships alongside her artistic pursuits.
Sarah expresses immense gratitude to her family for their unwavering support growing up, but most importantly, she credits her mother, Melissa van der Meulen, for being her rock and the driving force behind all of her passions. Sarah states that she is constantly in awe of her mother’s beauty and grace in every situation life throws their way and aspires to be half the mother she is one day.
Shelby, originally from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, has been dancing since she was just 2 years old, and from the very beginning, dance became a central part of her life. By the age of 8, her dedication and hard work earned her a spot on her studio’s competitive dance team, marking the beginning of her professional journey. Over the years, Shelby won numerous awards and scholarships at competitions and conventions, but one of the most significant milestones came in 2014 when, at just 17, she won an international world title at the Dance World Championships in Barcelona, Spain. Not only did she claim this prestigious title, but she also had the honor of serving as captain of the American dance team, leading her teammates and representing her country on a global stage. Alongside her dance career, Shelby discovered a deep passion for teaching. At 14, she began assisting dance classes after school, and this experience sparked a lifelong love for sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of dancers. After high school, Shelby made the bold decision to pursue dance over traditional education, auditioning for and being accepted into TOKYOtheAcademy, a prestigious training program for aspiring professional dancers. After a year of intensive training there, she moved to Orlando to fully immerse herself in her dreams of becoming a professional dancer and choreographer. Today, as she continues to push boundaries and create meaningful, innovative choreography, Shelby knows that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the “village” that raised her. From the very beginning, her parents, Pappy, and brothers have been her biggest cheerleaders, encouraging her every step of the way. The countless dance teachers who nurtured her talent and pushed her to reach her potential played an integral role in shaping her into the artist she is today. The southeast and Orlando dance communities, who offered countless opportunities and support, have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Shelby is forever grateful for the love, guidance, and encouragement she has received from her family, mentors, and the communities that helped her get to where she is today. Their belief in her has made all the difference in turning her dreams into reality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @shelbsandsarah @shelbs.sutton @sarah.ashley03
- Other: @shelbsandsarah @shelbssutton @sarah.ashley TikTok
Image Credits
CJ Ayd @hollywoodandmain
