Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Davis.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started dancing recreationally at age 5 but quickly realized it was what I wanted to spend the rest of my life pursuing. I began as a strictly concert dancer before I started competing at 16, and as I became exposed to a wider variety of genres of dance, I knew I couldn’t pick a favorite. Thus began my search for a college dance program that would allow me to continue my training in all genres of dance. I attended Hussian College’s Commercial Dance program in Los Angeles, where I worked professionally in the commercial side of the industry while simultaneously obtaining my BFA.
COVID brought me back to my hometown of Allen, TX, where I have since been teaching, modeling, and dancing professionally in all styles of dance. I’ve served as dance captain for the State Fair of Texas’ “Illumination Sensation” (2021-2023), was featured in a Choctaw Casinos & Resorts commercial, served two seasons as a Frisco Fighters Bombshells dancer for the IFL, performed at the Dallas Zoo Lights, XO Date Night, TED Talk, HYPE, modeled for The Costume Closet, and taught at numerous studios throughout the DFW area.
Currently, I am a member of the professional commercial dance company Urban Performing Company, a faculty member at Studio B Dance & Performing Arts and Toby’s School of Dance, a physical therapy technician, a freelance artist, and am signed with Exxcel Model and Talent.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today has certainly come with its ups and downs. I’ve dealt with various injuries and health issues over the years, one of which I had surgery for that was difficult to come back from. COVID drastically changed the nature of the audition process and job opportunities in the entertainment industry, so I went for a year and a half without performing or being able to take class to keep up with my training. Hence, I started weightlifting and training on my own, which has greatly benefitted my dance ability and overall health.
Generally speaking, though, my dance journey, in particular, has not been as difficult as some. My work ethic has always exceeded expectations due to my perfectionistic nature, which is a blessing and a curse. It has helped me to be well-rounded in all styles of dance, as well as dabble in acting and modeling to become more marketable, which has provided me with a wide variety of unique opportunities in my professional life. However, it has also caused me to deal with things like body image, overtraining, high stress, and self-esteem. I’d like to think I’m getting better at managing those things as I age, but it has definitely not been an easy journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Though I’m trained in all genres of dance, my specialties are commercial and technique, which is evident in my work as a teacher and choreographer as well. I believe in the balance between technique and style. Technique is timeless. That being said, if you lack charisma as a performer if you can’t make your audience feel something by portraying a character, then that’s not quite an artist; that’s just an athlete. Art is supposed to be felt. Any able-bodied person can be an athlete, but being an artist requires introspection and deliberate, emotionally intelligent choices in one’s work. The latter requires far more emotional investment and intention, and I believe that is something I excel at that makes me stand out.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Over the last several years, I have been focusing on fitness to supplement my dance training and overall health. I’ve spent countless hours studying cross-training, weight lifting, and nutrition, and it’s drastically changed my lifestyle. I weight train 5-6 days a week on top of dance and teaching, and last year, I began working at a physical therapy clinic, working predominantly with gymnasts, to expand my knowledge of the body, recovery, and injury prevention. I love helping people take care of their bodies and improve their quality of life using the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenrdavis.com
- Instagram: @laurenruthdavis
- Youtube: @laurenruthdavis
Image Credits
Udo Spreitzenbarth
