Lauren Beirne
What do you teach at the Prep Center?
Itty Bitty Ballet, and Combos I & II, which includes ballet, creative movement, jazz funk, and tap.
Why did you begin studying dance?
When I finally decided to commit myself to dance, I found it to be the perfect mix of visual and performing arts. The physical aspect made me strong, focused, and confident.
How old were you when you began dance classes?
I took ballet from ages four to six, then stopped for some years to try figure skating, horseback riding, baseball, and the flute. I was also heavily involved in visual arts and musical theater. I started dancing all forms again at 14, and I never looked back.
Do you have a favorite dance memory from childhood?
The first recital where I had a solo. It was in a beautiful modern dance called Allegria, choreographed by Yasko Taneko. She had so much faith in me, even as a new dancer. It was a turning point for me. I think that's why I chose to essentially pursue modern dance professionally.
How do you vary your approach when you teach children at different ages and levels?
As a teacher you have to wear many hats. Be strong, yet flexible — feel out a room and each student in it, and explore varied approaches, as we all learn in different ways. I figure out the student's individual needs, and then I find the most creative and honest way to relate to, and inspire them. Classroom management is a huge part of that. Order allows for freedom, fun, and an optimal learning environment.
Have you had any students with notable accomplishments (acceptance to a select middle school, high school or college; competitions; special performances)?
My former students have joined the ranks of Alvin Ailey, Philadanco, Giordano Dance, PUR | The Company, Motus Dance Theatre, The Trinity Laban Center in London, Indiana University's esteemed Ballet Program, and and Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University B.F.A. and M.Ed. programs for dance and education. Two of my former students currently dance for my own professional company, Lauren Beirne Dance Works, as well. Seeing all their accomplishments has been incredibly rewarding.
What are your most important goals for your students?
To simply build comfort and confidence in the movement of, and relationship to, their own bodies in society and in life. Movement is a socially universal language. I also greatly stress working within one's own body to prevent injury, now and in the future. And to have fun of course, getting active, all while building a knowledge and respect for the art form.
What are the most important recommendations that you give to parents whose children study dance?
Be prepared, be on time, and trust the teacher. Work with your child, encourage your child, ask the teacher questions, inform yourself, understand the model and form, and help us to enforce classroom etiquette. Take your children to see local dance, or go yourself with friends and family. Be sure your child is dressed to dance; always have the proper shoes, clothes, hair, and no jewelry — physical distractions can really pull a child out of the moment, plus it's for safety reasons, too!
What do you like best about teaching dance?
The students, of course! Especially when they accomplish something they have been working on for some time. I also love digging in to the technical aspect of dance and seeing how it takes shape on different bodies. But the smiles, and the joy, and the willingness to learn take precedence.
What are your favorite accomplishments?
Being cast in my first-ever Actor's Equity professional musical, A Christmas Spectacular, in 2007; becoming a principle dancer with Motus Dance Theatre and The White Rabbit Cabaret in 2008; leading my dance team at Pike High School to two state finals at the IHSDTA, with a special recognition award for choreography, 2008–10; getting into the M.F.A. program at Tisch Dance, my dream school since I was 11 years old, in 2010; and founding my own professional dance company, Lauren Beirne Dance Works, in 2015, and all the successes we've enjoyed as a company since our inception.
