Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura (Lau) Meneses.
Hi Laura (Lau), I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m originally from Colombia, South America. I have been dancing for around 22 years and can’t imagine my life without this art. It has been so many years of discipline and passion for what I do; dancing is like a motivation to wake up every day and start my day with energy and a serotonin boost. I live in Charleston, SC, but I am spreading the ‘spirit’ of dance worldwide. My journey as a dancer began at the age of 11 years old. I was a cheerleader from high school until I graduated from college as a journalist, another of the professions I currently do. In Colombia, I specialized in Latin rhythms as a dancer and instructor for adults and kids, focusing on Colombian-style salsa, bachata, and Rumba Latina Fitness. I have performed many dances and attended dance congresses in my country, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Chicago. I believe that is one of the reasons I am today; I like to share my love for dance as a physical and mental therapy but also keep myself in constant evolution and offer the best of me to my students.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s funny, but one of the biggest challenges was proving to my dad that I could dance without abandoning high school, college, and my professional career. He was always afraid of that, but nowadays, he supports me in what I do. Regarding the discipline of dancing and especially Latin rhythms, it was a whole process of learning from zero because I didn’t know how to dance; it was a skill I developed along the way. Of course, there were moments of frustration. I won some dance competitions and lost others, but I always had the satisfaction of achieving it and moving forward.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“Dance with Lau” is an entrepreneurial venture focused on Latin rhythms. One of my classes is called Rumba Latina workout and is made for everyone who wants to increase energy, reduce stress, have fun & burn calories at the same time. In this class, people can find a space to learn, be happy, and improve their dance abilities with several rhythms from Latin America, like salsa, bachata, reggaeton, champeta, merengue, and more. I also do choreography for weddings and private salsa and bachata lessons for adults and kids. Most of my classes are in person, but I am, so I offer virtual classes. (But I also offer virtual or online classes). What makes the difference in my classes is that they are all different; I prefer to avoid repeating the same thing. I like to motivate people to let their talents shine and increase confidence and self-esteem. I make each class a particular moment in their lives and make some friends because in the United States, most people are alone, especially immigrants, and my group classes are also a space to support each woman because each one has a story to share.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Everyone can dance if you think you can not! Sometimes, I have done free classes with people with disabilities, and just seeing the smiles on their faces confirms that my journey has been worth it because one of the things I enjoy most about dancing is sharing this art with the people who need it most. Dancing increases muscular strength, improves mobility and flexibility, reduces stress, and improves coordination and social skills. Everyone should dance as part of their daily routine; it is a healthy habit.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancewithlau/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dancewithlaumn
Image Credits
Laura Meneses
