Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gayle.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Dance has always been a very big part of my life. I danced as soon as I could walk. It’s always been my outlet where I would feel like my best, most confident, authentic self. I trained with top choreographers and dancers in my hometown of Montreal, Canada and then in Orlando, Florida, after moving in my late teenage years. I worked as a backup dancer for local artists and with successful hip-hop troupes in Canada and the United States.
And then there was a pause. I had my daughter at a young age and completely dove headfirst into the idea of breaking the stigma that surrounds young parents and was determined to prove to everyone that I, at my young age, could be a kickass mother. That included staying in a toxic situation that bled to other areas of my life and eventually led to me losing sight of not only my dance life but myself. After choosing to work on my personal growth and going through many life changes, I decided I could no longer ignore the bruise that I carried within myself – I had to get back to dance. But where to start?
I was no longer seeking top-level masterclasses because being a professional dancer in the industry was no longer relevant to my life. But I carried a burning desire to dance beyond what typical adult dance classes offered and wanted an environment that felt safe, welcoming and inclusive. I was still working on growing my confidence and was worried that I would feel judged and feel intimidated by some of the classes I was finding while doing my research into the Orlando dance industry. Everything seemed either overwhelming or underwhelming.
And so, I created the outlet that I was seeking. Bombshell Dance Productions is the result of me doing a lot of personal growth and having a deep desire to help other women who may be struggling with their own journey of balancing it ALL. For the women who miss their dance days or for those who have always wanted to try but maybe never had the means or the confidence to do so. This outlet goes far beyond dance steps. Yes, you will learn hot, trendy choreographed dance routines and get fit in the process but even more, you will gain confidence by pushing past your comfort zone and taking time to focus in on yourself. The classes I host are always welcoming and are filled with positive, inclusive energy. Never about perfection and always about personal growth and enjoyment.
My goal is to continue to expand our community of women and spread the genuine message of women supporting women. Regardless of our differences in background, culture, age, daily responsibilities… women are connected and often share similar struggles. Seeing the women around me, growing in confidence, developing long-lasting friendships and improving their dance ability and fitness level fills me up and brings me such purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My story is one that was built upon growing from adversity. Without experiencing certain hardships, I’m not sure I would have developed such compassion and understanding for women the way that I have. Or for myself.
And in all honesty, there continues to be challenges and obstacles throughout my journey. I don’t believe a sustainable business or relationship can grow and evolve without any challenges and I try to approach the struggles with a “what can this teach me?” outlook. Growing through it all!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The choreography I create for Bombshell Dance Productions classes and for special event/project contracts are all very performance-based. I have always been inspired by the ’90s and early 2000’s music videos and live performances and I like to include those performance elements into my routines, regardless of the level.
My company is designed for women in particular and I include a lot of feminine energy into every style we dance together. I want women to feel confident, attractive and powerful while dancing my choreographies. I am lucky to receive fantastic feedback from the women who participate in my classes who express just how much my classes have positively impacted their lives beyond the dance floor. Their growth in confidence is my greatest motivation.
I think what sets me apart from other people in my niche is the fact that I was a professional dancer in the industry and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. I bring those professional elements to my class and contracts. I also am an imperfect, diverse woman who holds genuine compassion and understanding for women. I will always make you feel welcomed and encouraged and share my positive energy in hopes of it helping to spark the light within others.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Grow through it! There are always going to be obstacles and challenges. There are going to be many times when you feel judged, insecure and defeated. Feel your feelings and grow through the experience of them. You maintaining the belief in yourself is truly the most important factor of all.
Contact Info:
- Email: dancewithlaurengayle@gmail.com
- Website: www.laurendance.com
- Instagram: @dancewithlaurengayle @bombshelldanceproductions
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Bombshell-Dance-Productions-314868052198040/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuoTjvz-JJ4RBJnPT3TpU5g
Image Credits
Elardio Gayle
