Meet Lauryn Lawrence

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn Lawrence.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauryn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a classically trained Ballerina and began taking dance instruction at Norma’s Academy of Dance at the age of three. Through my 18 years of dance instruction, I trained in several genres but found Ballet to be my favorite. At the age of eight while taking classes at Norma’s Academy of Dance I was selected as a member of the Performance Ensemble. I left Norma’s Academy at the age of eleven after auditioning for and being selected as a cast member for the Ballethinic Academy of Dance’s Urban Nutcracker and I continued my dance classes there.

In 2011, during my high school years, I participated in a very competitive nationwide audition for the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensive program, and for three consecutive years, I was selected, attended and was awarded a merit scholarship based on my audition. In 2012, I auditioned for and was chosen as a member of the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble- which is a pre-professional training program that provided a more specialized study of dance for students who because of their talent and potential, required an advanced level of instruction. I trained at Ballethnic Academy of Dance and performed in countless productions until I graduated from high school in 2015.

During my senior year in high school, I auditioned for the Alvin Ailey’s summer intensive and I was invited to participate in their Summer Professional division but decided instead to begin my college matriculation early by taking summer classes at Spelman College.

During my freshman year, I was selected as a member of the Spelman College Dance Theatre and had the awesome opportunity to study under T. Lang, and I was chosen to perform in a piece- Journey to Memory Falls, which was choreographed by artistic pioneer Dianne McIntyre, who was a visiting scholar. During my sophomore year, I auditioned for through a very rigorous and competitive audition process- the Morehouse College Dance Team- Mahogany n Motion, and I were selected for the team. A proven leader, after completing my first season with Mahogany N Motion, I was unanimously chosen by the coaches to serve as the Co-Captain for the team.

Dance is a very important part of my life. Outside of the discipline that it provides, it, along with other Art forms connects all cultures to the fabric of our society. Dance increases the understanding of diversity and the values of all people. Dance is my Passion. Dance is my life…..

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Over the course of my dance career, I have encountered some obstacles. One in particular that comes to mind involves an audition. Being an African -American dancer in a world where the body type of African American’s may not fit the “mold’ of a traditional ballet dancer, at a very early age, I experienced discrimination. With a more muscular build I, along with one of my dance buddies (of the same body type) from Ballethinic participated in an audition for a renowned Dance School. We were two of only five Black girls at the audition. We were prepared, capable and excited and we had no problem learning the steps. After the audition was complete and we were taking off our pointe shoes, the Director asked if she could speak with us. She pulled us aside and said “the two of you were of the best dancers in the room, you executed technique brilliantly and had so much energy and beautiful stage presence. Unfortunately, you will not be selected to dance with us because you are too big.” Devastated, dejected and embarrassed we both left the room in tears and I just fell into my Mother’s arms. Although Misty Copeland has broken many barriers, there is still a lack of diversity in the Ballet world. There is still a perception that Black bodies are unsuitable for Ballet, and I want to help change that narrative by training young dancers to embrace their unique bodies and pursue dance.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success, in my opinion, means being able to achieve and accomplish something that you have desired and worked for. My markers for success are knowing my purpose or mission, setting goals, tracking progress, learning from mistakes, and having a favorable outcome/positive result.

Contact Info:

• Email: lalexislaw@gmail.com
• Instagram: lauryn_lawrence
• Facebook: Lauryn Lawrence

Image Credit:
Its Black Photography

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