Jennifer Lauren
Jennifer Lauren, our beloved principal dancer, is preparing to step off the stage for the last time following Miami City Ballet’s performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. We sat down with Jennifer to reflect on her remarkable 18-year journey with the company, the path that led her here, and the dreams that await in her next chapter.
You’ve been with Miami City Ballet for 18 years. How does it feel to look back on such a meaningful career here?
I feel proud of myself for showing up and putting in the work every day, whether in the corps or as a principal dancer. It still feels surreal, almost like a dream I had as a young girl come true.
Tell us about your journey in dance—how old were you when you started, and when did you know ballet was your true passion?
I began ballet lessons when I was three. My mother enrolled my older sister, and I insisted on joining, too, so the teacher let me in. The rest was history! By 12, I knew this was what I wanted to do. I call it the “Ballet Bug,” and it got me good! After that, I enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance and attended my first summer course instead of a typical summer camp. My mom would drive me 45 minutes away to train with other teachers, which allowed me to continue building my foundation in a variety of dance styles, each one adding to my versatility and technique. It was a busy few years juggling ballet, jazz, tap, and competitions. At 16, I was invited to join Alabama Ballet, which was a huge step toward where I am today.
Joining Alabama Ballet at just 16 must have been transformative. How did that experience shape you?
Absolutely. I found myself in a community where everyone understood my passion, and I loved working alongside dancers my age. I learned so much from Wes Chapman and Roger Van Fleteren in those early years. I was like a sponge, soaking up everything!
Do you remember the moment you were accepted into Miami City Ballet?
Oh, I remember it well! Although I loved my time with Alabama Ballet, I was ready to spread my wings. Edward Villella called and said, “Welcome to Sunny Miami!” It was hard to leave my Alabama mentors, but they were thrilled for me, like family.
Over these 17 years, what moments stand out the most?
There are so many! Dancing Raymonda Variations with Kleber Rebello felt like being on a cloud. Premiering The Nutcracker in LA as the Sugarplum Fairy with Renan Cerdeiro was pure magic. I’ll never forget dancing in Serenade at Lincoln Center or spending three weeks as a “professional ballerina in Paris” in 2011. Roles like The Sleepwalker in La Sonnambula, Dew Drop, Kitri, Giselle, Emeralds, and Rubies (both corps and principal) will stay with me forever. Working with Alexei Ratmansky on Swan Lake and Symphonic Dances felt like climbing a mountain! Performing Apollo with Michael Tilson Thomas conducting was unforgettable.
Do you recall your first leading role at MCB? How did it shape your confidence?
My first leading role was Jerome Robbins’ “first couple” in In the Night. I was the last cast, rehearsing in the back with mostly principals, which was intimidating! But I had all this experience and confidence built up from my time in Alabama, ready to emerge. That role was a turning point for me; it kept my confidence and artistry growing.
As you transition to the next chapter, what excites you most? Do you have any plans or dreams for the future?
I’m most excited to share everything I’ve learned in the past 27 years with young dancers. I dream of one day becoming an Artistic Director, guiding dancers to reach their highest potential. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and I hope to continue it wherever I am.
Looking back, how do you hope to be remembered by audiences and your fellow dancers?
I hope the audience remembers feeling moved or inspired by my performances, that my passion, artistry, and presence touched them. For my fellow dancers, I hope they remember me as kind and humble. I want them to carry forward the camaraderie I found at MCB and to remember that perseverance, hard work, and a little joy make all the difference. Just put on a pair of shoes and go for it—don’t forget to smile!
Don’t miss Jennifer in her final performances at Miami City Ballet, as she takes her final bows as the Sugarplum Fairy at George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Dec 13 – 24 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami.
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