Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ikwueme.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My earliest introduction to dance was at the age of six, where I took ballet and tap dance classes in New York. I grew up in Queens, NYC where I encountered a lot of my early creativity. However, as many foreign children know, dancing is not considered a real career to foreign parents, especially to mine who are both in the medical field. Thus, I pursued accounting. During my mid-year in college at the University of West Georgia, I reunited with dance but took it on as a way to distress while I pursued my degree in accounting.
Once I graduated, I landed a great job in an accounting firm. Despite having what many would perceive as a dream job, I felt bored. The way accounting is structured, it is a very intense and introverted atmosphere, and I couldn’t express myself like how I can fully with dance. I decided to give dance another shot September of 2018, and partake in several classes weekly after work. The more I attended the classes, the more I encountered very talented choreographers, increasing my hope to fulfill my passion for dance.
In December of 2018, I started my dance training – attending four diverse technic classes, totaling to twelve hours, per week. I would rotate between hip hop, afrobeat, and heels technic classes. In February of 2019, I began to take on a popular afrobeat dance class taught by an instructor, CeCe Tor. Tor was one of the very few afrobeat dance classes in Atlanta, that was heavily praised. In March of 2019, I booked my first big opportunity with Yemi Alade as a backup dancer to her music video, “Oh My Gosh Remix” featuring Rick Ross. A month later, I filmed my first choreography to Beyonce’s “Before I Let Go” challenge, which surfaced through the internet and was reposted to Beyoncè account story.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. For the most part, being that it is a competitive industry, I would have to play catch up through my training to prove to myself and others my ability as a great dancer. Also, I have had to sacrifice many dance opportunities because of my full-time accountant job. The opportunities I have been blessed with have not all been paid, thus I have to still rely on my accounting income to support my dance career, which I do plan to go full-time soon.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in dance. My ability to switch into different styles of dance is what sets me apart from other dancers. If you were to ask my former instructors, they would state how I am very consistent when it comes to my dedication to learning more about my craft (dance), and my development in such a short duration. I came from being reserved, slow learner, and not translating my personality into dance moves, to now personalizing all dance moves making me as my own brand and getting more bookings. As an accountant and dancer, I am most proud of how I did not give up on both industries and can now apply my in-depth knowledge of finance into my brand (as a dancer). Also, through dancing, I have found more of my self, and let go of my insecurities.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would not say this journey has been lucky but a blessing, through my hard work, dedication, and consistency to the craft. Sometimes, all it takes it showing up and giving your all for God to use you and place you in situations you would have never dreamed for yourself. Choosing to have faith in my dreams even when it seems like nothing is happening makes the pay off of success even more exciting. I honestly, would not be where I am without my supporters, which include my family, friends, professors, and instructors. Their continued support coupled with my own drive has fueled me to be at the career level that I am at. My high school dance instructor, Ms. Collins, was the first person who believed in me when I did not believe in myself. She saw something in me that I did not see in my own identity. I also have to credit my years in Intense Talent Dance Team and African Student Association (ASA) at University of West Georgia, for giving me my initial platform to perform in front of hundreds of people. Similarly, God, my family, best-friends (Gynella Ngounou and Giovanna White), additional friends, and current dance instructors have all been my cheerleaders. Some may call this good luck but I simply see it as the greatest blessing to have in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: likwuem1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Laurens_life_crew
Image Credit:
Photography by Gynella Ngounou & Moses Rivers
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