Lauren O’Kell

Originally from Edmonton, Lauren is a freelance dance artist, choreographer and instructor residing in the Vancouver area. Most recently, Lauren has danced with the Performance Research Project led by Lesley Telford providing her to work with local artists such as Heather Myers, Serge Bennathan, Vanessa Goodman, David Raymond, Noam Gagnon, Idan Cohen, and Lesley Telford. Previously, Lauren danced with Ballet Edmonton (formerly Citie Ballet) performing original works and staged repertoire by Francois Chevennement, Laurence Menotti-Chevennement, Heather Myers, Jorden Morris, Alysa Pires, Solveig Desilets and Waldemar Bartowski.

In her hometown of St. Albert AB, Lauren began her dance studies in a range of styles at the Art of Dance learning from her godmother Sherri Urkow, Tracy Sestito, and her mother Jaqueline Pooke. Lauren completed her ballet, modern and tap examinations through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Additionally, Lauren danced with the Art of Dance’s performing company – Stardust Dance Company – travelling to Disney World, Sea World and Carnival Cruise Lines.

Lauren continued her training at the Edmonton Dance Centre with Deborah Morgan where she achieved her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) graded and vocational examinations with distinction, and receiving her RAD Solo Seal Award. While at EDC, Lauren also trained in modern dance, character dance, classical and contemporary repertoire. In 2011, Lauren was eligible to compete in the Genée International Ballet Competition (The Margot Fonteyn International Competition) hosted in Cape Town, South Africa where she advanced to the finals.

Lauren’s summer training included Canada’s National Ballet School, Boston Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and Boston Ballet’s Choreographic Intensive mentored by Jorma Elo and Helen Pickett. Upon graduation, Lauren attended the Pre-Professional Program at Miami City Ballet School with faculty members Geta Constantinescu, Carter Alexander and Lourdes Lopez.

Alongside her professional endeavours, Lauren has trained students in ballet and contemporary styles of all ages throughout numerous dance schools in the greater Edmonton and Vancouver areas. She is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance completing her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS), and is also certified in teaching Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). Lauren also holds a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management from Grant MacEwan University including an internship with The Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC.

Lauren continues to challenge herself creatively through her choreography with evolving and innovative movement. She aims to provide this opportunity for her students to explore new movements and fully engage the mind and body to implement solid technique, anatomical awareness and performance quality to their training. Lauren is thrilled to be able to pass down her knowledge, love and passion for dance and strives to guide her students in being the best versions of themselves inside and out of the studio.