LAUREN SCHELFHAUDT 

DIRECTOR

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Los Angeles born and Boston raised, Lauren was a competitive swimmer but not entirely satisfied with how she spent her extracurricular time.  She would race home after school to review recorded ballroom competitions and tried to mimic what she saw.  Lauren fell head over heels in love with the world of ballroom dancing and began competing at the age of 15.

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Lauren trained and competed in International Latin and Ballroom.  Wanting to take her dancing to the next level she moved to London, England in 2002 to train at the famous studio of Sammy Stopford and Barbara McColl.  Upon returning to the United States,  she graduated from Merrimack College, and moved to New York to work with world-renowned coaches, Vibeke Toft and Allan Tornsberg.  

 

Taking a break from competing in 2011 she focused on teaching youth.  Her junior students became finalists at the most prestigious competition in the world, Blackpool Dance Festival.  

 

In 2012 Lauren decided to start competing again but in American Rhythm.  Her and her professional partner were successful in achieving national and world titles. 

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Today Lauren enjoys sharing her experience with students intrigued by the world of ballroom dance. 

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PROFESSIONAL TITLES

Fred Astaire United States Professional Latin Champion

2 Times United States Professional Mambo Champion

World Professional Salsa Champion 

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