Dance Student Spotlight: Lauren DeVaul

My name is Lauren DeVaul. I am 16 years old. I am from Dallas, Texas and I dance at Dance Industry Performing Arts Center.

My instagram handle is @laurendevaul

Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

I started dancing at age 3 because my older sister also did dance. So my mom put me in as well. I instantly fell in love with dance and being on stage. I grew up doing all styles of dance, but my favorites were jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. I started participating in competitions and conventions around 9-10 years old. I started getting serious about dance around 13 years old. And I started studying in all styles, but mainly ballet. Ballet, at the time, became my favorite style of dance. I then went into high school, and I was exposed to new styles of dance. This changed my perspective on dance, and I really started to think about what I wanted to do in the long run. I still do all styles of dance, but I mainly focus on contemporary and ballet.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?

Definitely not. We all go through hardships in our lives to ultimately make us better and stronger people. If I didn't go through the things I did, I wouldn't be half the person I am today. Especially participating in an art form that is so demanding physically and mentally, there are many hardships I went through. We are always comparing and being compared to others. Over time, it can affect the way we think about ourselves. Dance is a very judgmental sport as well. Not only are you constantly judged for the way you dance, but the way you look as well. Dance is not an easy sport at all.

What personal limitations if any did you go through in your young career?

I struggle a lot with body image issues. Dance can sometimes become very toxic and mentally draining. Looking at yourself in the mirror all day everyday can lead to very negative thoughts about yourself. We are constantly comparing and judging ourselves.

Has anybody ever tried to limit you on what you could do? If so how did you fight it?

Yes, all the time. Not any people talk about this but, the dance community is very toxic. There is always someone that will tell you that you can't do something. I have definitely experienced this. I use this as motivation to work harder and prove them wrong.

How do you conquer negative talk?

Everyone says to "ignore it" and "don't let it get to you", but that's hard, especially as a teenager growing up in this generation. I remind myself of my self-worth. Sometimes I have to write it down on a sticky note, put it on my mirror, and look at it every day to remind myself that I am amazing. I try my best not to let the negative comments get to me.

What is your favorite quote?

Savoir, penser, rêver. Tout est là. (to know, to think, to dream. That is all.) -Victor Hugo

So, what’s next? Any big plans?

The next big thing for me would be college. My dream would be to attend the University of Southern California for dance.