Hey! I’m Lauren
MEd. BA. ESFCC.
A mental skills trainer, dance educator, adjudicator, writer, & unshakable optimist dedicated to helping dancers and athletes become their best.
I believe every dancer is an artist, a creator, a connector and, most importantly, a human whose energy is contagious and soul is brilliant. To know how deeply I believe in the work I do, check out my full manifesto dedicated to the dancers I work with.
As a highly competitive dancer, and now a dance educator, I know that every time we enter the studio and every time we walk on stage, we are being called to be our best. Dance becomes a practice of self-exploration, resilience, discipline, goal setting, self-talk, and self-belief. To truly understand our best and have the courage to challenge perceived limitations, we require nurtured awareness and mental strength. This is where I use mental skills training to support the dancers and allow them to break through limitations and build supportive systems and habits in their training.
It has been my privilege to guide dancers across the country to train their brains and tap into new personal level of excellence.
More on Lauren:
Lauren Ritchie has been studying, researching, and educating dancers on the physical, emotional and mental intricacies of dance. Lauren has made it her life’s work to support dancers to be their best – mind, body and spirit. Recognizing the lack of mental skills training in dance, Lauren has created programs and exercises dedicated to educating and empowering dancers mental health and fitness to optimize their training. From her MEd in Coaching Studies to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple Yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren has a unique blend of education and resources that offer a holistic training approach for dancers.
Lauren has firsthand knowledge of the attributes required to achieve and sustain peak performance. She was a highly competitive and decorated dancer having classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical.
After completing her Advanced R.A.D, Lauren knew she “wanted to dance” but had little guidance and awareness of the true process of transitioning into a professional dance career. This is why Lauren has created and hosts The Dance Podcast; an invaluable resource dedicated to inspire and educate dancers, teachers, and parents through candid conversations with industry professionals.
Lauren is an established facilitator and speaker, delivering workshops to prestigious schools and training programs like the Alberta Ballet School and Harbour Dance Centre. She is the co-founder of the Dance Teacher reTREAT AND has also facilitated and contributed to the DTRC’s on the Move workshops speaking to aspiring dancers in Calgary. Her career achievements had also been recognized as she was a recipient of the Edmontonian’s Top 20 under 30.
Lauren’s engaging and encouraging teaching style has inspired dance teachers and students across the country to use dance as a practice of high-performance living and an exploration of their unique self.
Lauren is also a Certified Adjudicator through The Dance Leadership Institute .
What People Are Saying
“I feel so fortunate my students have had the opportunity to work with Lauren. There is no question she is an exceptional choreographer, however what truly makers her unparalleled is her ability to encourage students to push beyond their own boundaries and self-imposed labels. It was incredible watching some of my previously reserved students leave Lauren’s class with a new sense of confidence both personally and in dance. Lauren is constantly thriving to push students beyond their barriers and help them explore what they can offer. Her attention to detail and performance is admirable, and her passion is magnetic. She is a true gift to the world of dance.”
— Stacey, Dance Educator
“The wealth of knowledge Lauren has from her multifaceted education in dance, fitness and coaching truly makes her a unique teacher that is able to inspire the dancers as athletes, artists and people.”
— Carrie, Director of The Academy, Grande Prairie.
Because of Lauren, I felt prepared, grounded and finally enjoyed myself at convention! Thanks you for helping us become better dancers, you couldn’t have come into our lives at a more perfect time..
— Olivia, Dancer
“I walked away from our session feeling like I have new knowledge and so many amazing new tools to be the best teacher I can be. ”
— Mikaela, Dance Educator
Lauren continues to guide my faculty and I through our personal teaching values and legacy. Through her educations, she is changing the dance world, one healthy brain at a time.
— Sarah, Educator
"Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
- Christopher Robin