Lauren Davis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think people have this misconception of dancers and dance teachers that you can’t truly make a living or have this be your full time work. Is it challenging at times to make all the puzzle pieces fit together and make sense? Yes, of course, but 1 — it’s not impossible, and 2 — it’s incredibly fulfilling, which is something I feel most people cannot say about their jobs. It comes down to choosing your “hard.” I’d personally much rather the “hard” of making something I love work for the lifestyle I want to have, as opposed to the “hard” of hating what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren, and I am a professional dancer, dance, and Pilates instructor. My first love is dance, and I’m so thankful for dance to have guided me to place I am today. I get to educate people of all ages on their bodies using dance, Pilates, physical therapy, and weight training as a means to help others to lead healthy lives where they’re able to pursue dance, other physical activities, or simply daily life more easily. Currently, I teach dance to kids of all ages, Pilates to children and adults, and am the dance captain for the State Fair of Texas.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I used to be extremely shy, though most people don’t believe that about me now. Deep down, I still am, but I developed the tools I desperately needed as a child to be a confident performer, teacher, and *fairly* social human. I still feel it when I stand in front of a classroom, even though I’ve been a teacher for years now. It reminds me of being terrified to present to the class as a child — the nerves, shaking, self doubt creeping in. I have enough feathers in my cap now to reassure myself with confidence that I am capable, knowledgeable, and well suited to be a teacher.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It sounds cliche, but I’d say stop worrying about what other people think of you and your craft. I wasted years of my youth holding back who I was as a dancer, not dancing to the best of my ability, because I didn’t want my peers to judge or hate me for being successful or talented. I was almost ashamed of my ability. I hid it from most of the world until I was 21, when I had an injury that made me realize it wasn’t worth it to hold back anymore. My biggest career and personal accomplishments came after that, and my only regret is not having let go of that fear sooner.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
You do not have to look a certain way to be a dancer. Period. This idea of a “dancer’s body” is so destructive in my field. Speaking for myself, I’ve dealt with body image issues for half of my life now, thanks to those who did not address the topic of food, body image, and healthy habits appropriately.
It’s 2025 — people of all shapes, colors, backgrounds, sizes, etc. work in the dance industry. Maybe not in every single job, but there are far more accepting and diverse environments than there used to be and that some teachers/leaders would have others believe. Do your research, and be kind.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I know my purpose has always been and will always be to dance and bring others joy through dance. That is my life’s mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenrdavis.com
- Instagram: @laurenruthdavis
- Youtube: @laurenruthdavis
- Other: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA9A923ABFFC43-58005061-adult
Image Credits
Mystic DFW
Udo Spreitzenbarth
DFWDP
