Born and raised in Langley, B.C, Lauren fell in love with performing and acting from a very young age. Always high energy and full of personality, Lauren lived for the stage. Her mother and greatest support said that “Lauren came out of the womb performing and it never stopped!” From preschool concerts to entertaining strangers when she was out and about, her desire to perform was clear. Recognizing her lack of shyness, her mother began taking her to auditions at one year of age and she landed her first diaper commercial at fifteen months. At age three, Lauren extended her love for performing in commercials to performing on the dance stage. Soon after taking her first steps onstage she became passionate about the athleticism and creativity involved in dance. A diverse performer, Lauren is trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theatre.
While in the competitive dance world, Lauren was successful in local dance festivals as well as competitions out of town receiving countless high score soloist awards. Attending conventions such as Groove Street Productions and Triple Threat, Lauren found inspiration through some of the industries finest choreographers and received several scholarships chosen by faculty such as Kelly Konno, Tyce Diorio, Stacey Tookey, Elizabeth Tookey, Kevin Tookey and Alex and Joanne Pesusich. Lauren counts one of her greatest achievements in dance as placing first in the province two years in a row at the B.C. Provincials of Dance, first as Intermediate Stage representative at age fifteen in 2009, and the following year as Senior Stage representative at age sixteen in 2010. Lauren’s experiences at the Provincials both years fueled her passion for dance and are memories that she will cherish throughout her whole dance career.
She has also had the opportunity to share her passion for dance with students and began teaching groups and soloists at the age of 15. She enjoys teaching as it has given her a whole new outlook on dance and appreciation for the effort it takes to create a piece of choreography.
Dance is not the only creative outlet Lauren is trained in. She has taken one on one piano, guitar and voice lessons and was involved in the production of High School Musical at her own high school playing the role of Head Cheerleader. In her spare time, Lauren is often found practicing her skills in photography as well as spending time with family and friends – her greatest supporters. She enjoys all activities that are athletic, specifically running, cycling and yoga. Lauren also discovered a newfound love for traveling when as a part of her graduation year she spent a week in New York City on an arts and photography tour. Places around the world she would someday like to see are Europe and Australia, as well as returning to the Big Apple as soon as possible.
Lauren is currently a dancer for the professional performing dance crew “ELEVATE” based out of Abbotsford and established by Leigh Hilary-Lee. She is also studying under the Faculty of Business at the University of the Fraser Valley as a full time student. While returning to school, she hopes to maintain a healthy balance between school and her passion for performing.