Episode 137: Lauren Messina [Belhaven Dance Alumni – Part Ten]
I loved reconnecting with Lauren Messina for part ten of our Belhaven Dance Alumni series! Lauren is an award-winning choreographer, community builder, and founder of Skool Dance, an innovative online space connecting dancers of all backgrounds worldwide.
In our conversation, Lauren shares about her journey in dance, the importance of community, and her experiences at Belhaven for both her undergraduate and MFA studies. We also dive into her current work in New Orleans as well as the founding of Skool Dance. We chat about the significance of community for artists, the joy of movement, and the resilience of artists in challenging times. Lauren’s voice is one of encouragement as she reminds us to embrace the joy of dance in everyday life.
Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we’ve gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the playlist on Spotify!
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About Lauren:
Lauren Ashlee Messina, M.F.A. (she/her) is an award-winning choreographer, community builder, and founder of Skool Dance, an innovative online space connecting dancers of all backgrounds worldwide.
Lauren’s work bridges the gap between artistry and community, empowering dancers of all experience levels to rediscover the joy of movement. Based in the Greater New Orleans area, she has collaborated with renowned organizations such as the Marigny Opera Ballet, KM Dance Project, New Orleans Opera, and CAC New Orleans as a 2022 Performing Artist-in-Residence.
Her choreography has graced stages including the New York Jazz Choreography Project, 92nd Street Y, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, and the Mississippi Museum of Art. Lauren is a recipient of the Ailey School’s Oprah Winfrey Foundation Scholarship, a participant in Gibney Dance Moving Toward Justice Open Workshop, and a ’22-’23 Platforms Fund Grant Recipient.
Recently, Lauren completed a one year artist-in-residence position in the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Creative Assembly (2023–2024), where her work explored the intersections of dance, connection, and community for all. She is currently a performing arts resident at the Longue Vue House in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Links from the Show:
- Playlist of Belhaven University Dance Alumni Episodes!
- Belhaven University Dance Department
- Skool Dance
- Longue Vue House in New Orleans
- Ad Deum Dance Company
- Ballet Magnificat!
- Episode 6 with Cynthia Newland
- Episode 89 with Cynthia Newland
- Episode 9 with Laura Morton
- Free Arts Arizona
- Ailey School Professional Division
- Amalgamate Dance Company
- Episode 41 with Krista Bower
- Lydia Hance of Frame Dance
- The University of New Orleans
- Marigny Opera Ballet
- The New Orleans Dance Network
- Artivism Dance Theatre New Orleans
- Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- The Background Dancer Podcast
- Dancers & Motherhood
- Headshot Photo Credit – @Luxley (Ryan H. Gray)