Lauren was born and raised in Southern California and began her dance journey after watching her first performance of The Nutcracker. Though only four years old, she was completely mesmerized, and the very next month began training at Claylee’s Dance Academy. Under the direction of Claylee Stewart, Lauren developed a deep love for dance and built a strong foundation in a variety of styles.

At age twelve, Lauren joined Long Beach Ballet to further her classical ballet training under the direction of David Wilcox, Shani Englert, Gillian Finley, Johnny Zhong, and Anne Adair. During her time there, she performed both corps and soloist roles in Coppélia, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker. A highlight of this period was performing Swan Lake as part of the Long Beach Ballet Ambassadors China Tour, which included performances in Guangzhou, Beijing, and Anshan. Lauren also competed frequently in Youth America Grand Prix and was honored to be invited to the New York Finals in 2020.

Lauren spent several summers expanding her training with American Ballet Theatre (NY), Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and Ballet Magnificat—where she attended on scholarship. Her experience at Ballet Magnificat ultimately led to her joining the organization’s Events Company in 2021.

Under the direction of Kathy Thibodeaux, Jiri and Cassandra Voborsky, and Sol Maisonet, Lauren toured nationally and internationally with Ballet Magnificat’s Events Company, performing throughout the U.S., Zambia, and Uganda. Her time there deepened her desire to use dance as a means to encourage, uplift, and minister to others.

Drawn to Ballet 5:8 for its powerful mission, diversity, and works that are both culturally and spiritually relevant, Lauren joined the Trainee Program in 2023. She performed alongside the Company and Second Company in Julianna Rubio Slager’s BareFace, Beyond the Nutcracker, and Lost Women of Juarez. She also performed principal roles in the School of Ballet 5:8’s 2023 spring production of The Toymaker and the 2024 production of Beyond the Nutcracker.

In 2024, Lauren was promoted to Ballet 5:8’s Second Company, where she debuted the role of Malena in the world premiere of La Llorona and danced in the corps for Celestia. Her repertoire also included Lamentations, Beyond the Nutcracker, Caged Bird Sings, The Space in Between, excerpts from Four Seasons of the Soul, and a new work by Libby Dennen. Lauren was recently promoted to Company Apprentice and is honored to perform with Ballet 5:8 for the 2025–2026 season.

When she is not dancing, Lauren serves as Ballet 5:8’s Community and Wellness Coordinator, supporting the overall wellbeing of dancers—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Her heart is to foster unity and belonging within the community and to help others thrive both in and beyond the studio.