Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Garrett.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Sure! My story actually started on a soccer field, if you can believe that. My dad played and coached professionally in the ’80s and then went on to open an indoor soccer business in my hometown. So, my parents had me out on the field before I could even walk. As the first born, everyone expected me to be the “next big thing” in women’s soccer. All of the baby gifts, birth announcements, etc., were soccer-themed and my mom even told my dad she was pregnant with a gift of little baby soccer shoes. It’s hilarious looking back now, but I guess at the time, that’s just what everyone expected, we were the “soccer family.” The kid’s programs at my dad’s business started at age 4, so my mom decided to sign me up for dance classes in the meantime. I was instantly obsessed. By the time I was old enough for soccer, I was wearing a tutu over my shorts on the field (I’m not kidding!). No one could get me to take it off. I remember asking if I could perform at halftime at one point. That’s all I really cared about. I continued “playing” for a few years, but I’m honestly not sure if I touched the ball once. It became very clear that I had a different passion, and my parents were surprisingly very supportive of that. It also helped that my little brother had been born by this time and took on the “soccer star expectations” 😉
Giving up on soccer and focusing on dance changed everything. What was already a passion, became my entire life. By the time I started middle school, I was at the studio over 20 hours a week. I could not get enough of it. At 13, I decided it was going to be my career, and became my own, self-proclaimed, manager. I began mailing(people still mailed things back then) my headshots, resume, and a cover letter to talent agencies all over the place. I don’t even think I told my parents, just took it upon myself to make it happen. I researched all the competitions and workshops in my area and created a calendar that I would present to my mom. This included going through her schedule, making sure she was available to take me to them, and then convincing her that she had the time and why it would be beneficial to me. This went on for years. While other kids were going to parties, prom, etc., I was dancing. I made a lot of sacrifices, especially as a teenager, because I wanted to be great. By my senior year, I was only going to school for a half day, dancing almost 40 hours a week, and I already had a contract with an agent in LA waiting for me when I graduated. It was my dream come true, and I really think those sacrifices helped make it happen.
The move to LA was definitely a different story. Like anything, I had lots of ups and downs. The dance industry can be very cruel and negative. In many cases, working as a dancer has more to do with how you look or who you know, than it does with your actual dancing. I spent years being told I was too fat or too short and watched some of my favorite dancers get cut at auditions because of the way they looked. So, after a few years, it really took a toll on my passion and made me question why I was doing it. I decided to switch things up. I was traveling and doing choreography/workshops all over the country, and my path led me to Atlanta. I fell in love with it almost immediately. The vibe is so different from what I was used to in LA. Moving here helped me fall in love with dance again and also led me to trying something new. Randomly, I decided to start taking voice lessons. I love new challenges, so I thought, “Why not?”. Shockingly, singing quickly became a second passion of mine. I think my love for dance stems from a love for music, so I guess it makes sense, but I was always so obsessed with dance, that I never thought I’d do anything else. Thankfully, I’ve been able to blend my two passions into a career that I am in love with. I balance my time between the recording studio and the dance studio, and I would not have it any other way. Being an artist has allowed me to create, express myself, and inspire others in a way that I don’t think would have been possible if I had followed the original path that was expected of me. I am so so thankful for that!
Please tell us about your art.
I actually create both choreography and music. Although they are different art forms, I think my inspiration for them is the same. I love making people happy. I feel so much joy when I dance and sing, that I hope it spreads to the people watching/listening. There’s nothing better than seeing people start to dance in their chairs or smile and tap their foot without realizing it. I love making people want to move!
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Support each other! I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but one thing it has allowed me to do is meet other people in my field. It’s really nice to be able to watch others in the same boat as me and cheer them on. Positivity is a boomerang and whatever you put out, comes back to you in some way!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My first EP, Infinity, is available on all music platforms. You can find your preferred service, and listen to it here:
I post most of my dance videos and other content on my Instagram page which you can find here:
https://www.instagram.com/laurengarrett
Contact Info:
- Website: laurengarrettmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurengarrett/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurengarrettt/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurengarrettt
Image Credit:
Virgo Film
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