We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauryn Greene and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauryn, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing outsiders may overlook when looking at being a professional dancer is the amount of stress that comes with this profession.  It requires lots of hard work, time, finance for training, and constant auditioning.   Even though there are some things I have yet to experience because I am still growing and learning as a professional dancer, there are a lot that goes into the industry of being a professional dancer. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Different people have different definitions for the word “Art,” but for me when I dance, I consider that art. Just as music might be art to an artist. When Im listening and dancing to music, wether it’s free styling or creating choreography, the movements and shapes that I make with my body tell a story and different moves tell a different story.. I feel as though what sets me apart from others is the way I interpret music through my body.  Every time I dance to music, I try to embody every sound, every note, every melody, and from there create/dance.  My art has allowed me the opportunity to do some amazing things, such as Work with Legends Like Missy Elliot and Kathy Sledge, to Dancing on tv shows with different networks, to Winning a reality tv dance show called “The Sauce” on Quibi and More. These are some accomplishments that I’m extremely proud but I still have so much more that I want to endure with time and growth. I’ve gotten to where I am today with A LOT of Hard work.  Some may think that being a professional dancer might be easy but it’s the complete opposite.  It’s not easy being a professional dancer; for me, it took a lot of hard work, dedication, patience and so much more.  I’ve had to overcome so many challenges and I’m still overcoming them as we speak!  But with support from my mom, sister, mentors and genuine people, I’m able to push through and know that I can overcome anything! I’ve honestly learned many things along my journey and I’m sure I will continue to learn throughout but some things that have stuck with me is: 1. to believe in YOU and 2. what’s for you is for you and no one can take that away. With all the things that have been thrown my way, something that I continue to go back to and remind myself of is my worth, my greatness, my talent.  I’m still nowhere near where I would like to be, but I’ve accomplished so much, and that will only make me push even harder to get to where I want to be!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly I’m still figuring this out myself haha!  But from what I’ve experienced so far, I would say some pretty cool places to visit would be Cascade Skating rink!  Skating is very popular in Atlanta and it’s also one of my favorite things to do (besides dance)!  So, you can’t come to Atlanta and NOT go to Cascade!  Another place to go would be the Krog Street Tunnel!  That’s a place that I consider really dope especially if you’re a person who is into graffiti.  It’s an extremely cool place to go to and a lot of people shoot videos, concepts, photoshoots there! Also, I’m someone who loves ice cream but I’m really picky about what kind.  So, if you’re like me, then Jeni’s Ice Cream is definitely the spot! Lastly, you can never go wrong with going to downtown Atlanta. There are so many different things to do and places to eat. There’s the Ferris wheel and the horse carriages that you can ride and so much more!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow!  I have such a long list of people who I could shoutout for my success. These are people who have not only helped mold me into  a professional dancer but also have helped me become the person I am today. First and foremost, my mom and my sister are at the top of my list.  I wouldn’t be where I am today without these two.  They have supported me from the very beginning and they continue to support me as I go along on my journey; I know that if I ever needed to count on someone, it would be these two!  Second, I would like to shout out all of my teachers and mentors who have helped develop/ mold my talent over the years.  House of dance studios, Pebble Brook Performing Arts, ATLA KiKi Ely & Sakinah Lestage, Anthony Burrell, Diana Matos and everyone whose class I’ve taken.  Each of these people have played an integral part in my journey to get where I am and to get where I intend to go.  I am so grateful for each and every one of them.

Instagram: @Laurynbylauryn , @laurynbylaurynofficial

Image Credits
Yungceophoto

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