Dancer ​Lauren Gottlieb Shares Her Inspirational Insight

Lauren Gottlieb is a well-known dancer and actress, who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Born in Scottsdale, Arizona, she began her career in dance at a young age and has since then, become one of the most sought-after dancers in the industry. Her journey from a young dancer to a well-known dancer and actress is inspiring and worth knowing. She trained in various dance forms, including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, and ballet. Her passion for dance led her to participate in several dance competitions, and she won many of them. Most recently Lauren danced to the song "Naatu Naatu," on the Oscars this past month.

Lauren's talent and hard work led her to be a part of several dance movies and TV shows. She was a part of the dance movie "Honey 2" and the popular TV show "Glee." She also worked as a choreographer for the Bollywood movie "ABCD: Any Body Can Dance," and its sequel "ABCD 2." Her work in these movies earned her a lot of praise, and she became a popular name in the Indian film industry. Apart from her work in the entertainment industry, Lauren is also known for her philanthropic work. She has been associated with several NGOs and charitable organizations that work towards the betterment of society. She has also been a part of several campaigns that promote social causes.

I recently had the honor of speaking with Lauren regarding her background, past, present, and hopes for the future of her astonishing career.

Can you tell us about your background in dance? How did you get started?

I started dancing at age 7. At the beginning it was really scary. I felt stiff in my movements and started asking my mom if I could quit dancing. Thankfully she wouldn’t allow me to do so until after my first performance. Something happened to me my first time on stage. I don’t know if it was the lights, applause, or adrenaline rush, but when I came off stage I jumped in my moms arms saying that was the best feeling ever and begged her to let me go back on stage. My mom said she knew right then DANCE is what I would pursue my whole life.

What has been your biggest challenge as a dancer, and how did you overcome it?

I’m not flexible like a lot of dancers are. I don’t have good turn out. And my feet are incredibly flat. This made dancing on point shoes in ballet really hard. I decided to drop point in my dance school to preserve my feet and focus on the dance styles which suited me. People don’t believe me when I say I’m not flexible. I’m able to get my kicks and jumps because of my power and heart. I believe in turning your weakness upside down and finding your strength. For me it’s always brought me more in alignment to where I’m supposed to be.

You've had the opportunity to work with some incredible choreographers and dance companies. Which project has been your favorite so far, and why?

Working with incredible choreographers and companies has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my dance life and career. In my early years I became an assistant teacher on a few touring dance conventions where I was able to train very closely with the best choreographers and teachers in the world. They were just transitioning from being dancers in the industry to choreographing all the biggest jobs, so since I had earned their trust and respect it made my early audition days a little easier. I think being on So You Think You Can Dance was my favorite project as I got to work with the best of the best choreographers and perform stellar routines in front of a live audience and the world every week. But it really goes back to my early dancing days at Bender Performing Arts / Dance Motion Performing Company in Arizona which has left the biggest impact. There’s nothing like being a part of a performing company and in this case, our studio directors Kevin and Meri Bender are two of the most supportive teachers and friends of mine to this day. I really lucked out joining their company because foundation is everything. They set me up for success!

Can you describe your creative process when choreographing a dance piece?

If it’s choreographing for myself I like to tune in and feel what feelings are bubbling at the surface which want to be let out. Music selection plays a huge role for me. I really aspire to become one with the music where it looks as if the lyrics and being sung through me. My favorite times on stage have been when I feel as if I’m an open vessel and some greater energy is flowing through me. That’s what I love tapping into. When I’m choreographing for dance groups I like to have them in a few classes first. I like to get to know them as individual dancers to see their own natural strengths so I can help bring those strengths out in them to help them shine on stage. And then we play! Play is the name of my game. I become fearless throwing out every idea which comes even if at first they feel silly. Try everything, discard what doesn’t feel good and fine tune what does.

You're known for your work as a judge on dance competition shows. What do you look for in a standout performance?

I’ve probably been in 100+ competitions as a dancer. It’s really been a dream come true to now be on the judging side of these competitions. I absolutely love children and helping them along in their dance journeys. I am where I am today because of my mentors. Being a dance judge feels like a mentorship. I love seeing dancers on stage in full confidence. There’s a difference from dancing in the studio verses a larger stage and auditorium. I encourage my students to dance in the studio as if they are on that stage, so when they do reach the stage they have practiced dancing to that capacity.

How did you get involved with “Naatu Naatu” at the Oscars?

I have assisted the stage directors /choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo on many big projects. They called me and said they were heading this project and as I’ve had a long career in India they thought it would be wonderful to see my two worlds collide. I instantly agreed to the job! One, it’s the Oscar’s! One of the most prestigious stages in the world. Dancing on the Oscar’s stage has been a goal of mine since I first fell in love with the craft. But it was being able to highlight South Asian dance on this very big platform that made it all the more special. I was utilised heavily in rehearsals to help the dancers understand the South Asian dance style and tap into a place in them which they haven’t ever danced from. It was about sharing the culture and my experiences living and dancing in India which helped give everyone the nuances to the movements.

How has the pandemic affected your work as a dancer and choreographer?

Life definitely slowed down, as it did for everyone. I taught a lot of online classes through that 2 year period. It was great having a platform on social media where I could stay connected and teach, but it was definitely not the same. I’m a very hands on teacher and having dancers working together in a room is

You've also dabbled in acting and singing. Do you have any plans to pursue those avenues further in the future?

Acting has been a new adventure for me. Since I’m known for my dance most of my acting roles have centered around being a dancer. I’ve embraced this along the way as I think it was the natural evolution in my career. Diving into my characters in these roles have also helped me find more characterization in my dances.

What advice would you give to young dancers who are just starting out?

Take every style you can. Try them all on and see how they fit. Also take from as many teachers as you can. This is the route I took and this versatility has served me well! It’s allowed me to walk into any audition and be able to pick up the steps fast and stay true to the style at hand. Just when I thought I had an understanding of most every dance form, I moved to India and found a whole new group of dance styles to study. There’s always more to learn. Staying a student of dance and life forever will really serve you. Also if you can, find yourself a dance mentor. While choreographing I need assistants. This may start as a mentorship but you will eventually become first in line able and completely capable to take on any job.

What has been your proudest moment as a dancer?

Probably that I’ve been able to call myself a dancer for 27 years now. My focus has never swayed away. It’s my passion and my purpose and when I’m dancing I feel the most alive and seen. Dance has allowed me to travel around the world to perform, teach, choreograph, and continue to learn and grow as a person and artist. I feel so lucky to be loved for my dancing as it’s the thing I love most in the world.

What's next for you in your dance career? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about?

I’m heavily interested in dance in the United Kingdom. I visited the UK a few times over the past couple years and have met a lot of the dance community over there. It’s a part of the world I have only just begun to learn and my heart is yearning to know more. I believe dancing, teaching, and choreographing in the UK is the next evolution in my journey. I would love to open up a dance school in London, and then eventually in Arizona, and Mumbai. This is a big dream I have of connecting communities around the world. There is so much we can learn from one another in our respective styles and cultures through our collective love of dance and performing!