Lauren DeVera
Lauren DeVera is a dancer, choreographer, podcaster, dance curator, certified life coach, and daughter to Filipino immigrant parents, residing in Alexandria, Virginia. She has been teaching, performing, and curating in the D.C. metropolitan area for over 14 years, with a focus on community building and creating brave spaces for self-expression. Her credits include the Kennedy Center, BET, the CW Network, Howard Theatre, Dance Place, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Culture Shock DC, World of Dance, Ladies of Hip Hop Festival, and various universities.
DeVera has had the honor to present choreographic works as the 2022 arts incubator resident artist at Joe’s Movement Emporium, the 2023 NextLook resident artist with The CLARICE at UMD, the 2023 open call presenter with Dance Place, and as the Fall 2023 incubator artist at Dance Institute of Washington. She recently directed and produced a DMV-based choreographers showcase, as the 2023–2024 artist partner at Joe’s Movement Emporium collaborating with nine choreographers and two musicians. She is excited to have an excerpt from her Reclaiming Us film featured in the Kennedy Center’s 10,000 Dreams: A Celebration of Asian Choreography festival in June 2024!
She is the founder and CEO of The Lion’s Den, a DMV-based and online welcoming dance and wellness hub, providing in-person and online offerings including classes, dance battles, panels, and performance opportunities. DMV Dance Community members have referenced The Lion’s Den as “a place that feels like home” and “a safe space to be ourselves.” Featured in various local publications including Visit ALX, Alexandria Living Magazine, and Voyage Baltimore.
She has a deep passion for centering marginalized communities and voices on and off the stage. Whether it’s through creating dance works about her heritage, creating films or hosting workshops for the BIPOC and AAPI community, you’re guaranteed to be in a space that facilitates empathy, empowerment and transformation.
DeVera was recognized for the 40 under 40 Award from the Old Dominion University Alumni Association for her exceptional and impactful work as an entrepreneur and leader. And she was recently featured on WUSA9 News and the Washington City Paper sharing her message on the power of cultivating confidence through movement, and how to build a multi-passionate career.
When she’s not in the studio, you can find her coaching and mentoring artists and entrepreneurs, helping them bring their creative vision to life! Be sure to check out her award-winning podcast, Thrive and Thread, a wellness and creative podcast!