Hip-hop’s favorite international dancing diva certainly takes dancing with the stars to a new level … and location. Choreographer Lauren N. Outlaw just recently wrapped her third series for one of Europe’s hottest reality shows, “Star Akademi” filming in Istanbul, Turkey. Displaying the hottest moves to a viewing audience of millions more than eager to watch, Outlaw has creatively positioned herself as the face of hip-hop dance overseas.
With this season of “Star Akademi,” Outlaw’s talent is now cemented across 35 countries, including Spain, Italy, Russia, Germany, the Netherlands and Canada. A production of Endemol, one of the world’s largest production houses (known for their hits such as “Deal or No Deal,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and “Fear Factor”) “Star Akademi” is a mainstay of European television, much like “American Idol” in the United States.
For the show, Lauren served as not only choreographer but also as dance teacher, holding daily classes in movement, staging and performance for the show’s contestants. Her added duties entailed concept and choreography for all the live weekly performances in addition to on-camera appearances. Just imagine the challenge of teaching complicated hip-hop routines to students who barely speak English. Yet Lauren has continued to remain undaunted. Her winning spirit has catapulted her to success.
“To have the opportunity to return to Europe and film one of the most popular reality series there has been beyond amazing. The interaction with the production company, the contestants and the fans has been simply overwhelming. The love for all things hip-hop is so gratifying to experience. My dance techniques have been embraced and appreciated beyond measure. I’m excited to return home and continue to spread the love with several new endeavors I have planned!”
A Tampa, Florida native, now residing in Houston, TX, Outlaw has been dancing since the age of six, having studied and trained in classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern, tumbling and cheerleading. Outlaw attended Fayetteville State University initially, completing her studies at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Psychology and Dance. While attending UCF, she owned and operated her own studio, Butterfly Danzers, Inc. a dance company that provided over 300 underprivileged youth with professional level dance classes at affordable prices. A brief stay in New York garnered her certification at the Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory & Broadway Dance Center.
Now back home in the states, Outlaw is looking forward to choreographing more artist’s videos, shows and tours and even tackling commercial and film ventures. She also plans to release an exercise dance video that allows participants of any age to benefit from a maximized workout while having fun. In addition, Outlaw will continue to teach and consult high school, college and professional dance teams, as well as judge dance and cheerleading competitions nationwide.
As “Star Akademi” continues to play across screens throughout Europe, Outlaw will continue to serve as a reminder of the universal power of performance art, spreading the legacy of hip-hop, a culture that knows no boundaries. A true entertainer, Lauren N. Outlaw is indeed a dancing star. Check out her grooves at http://www.mzoutlaw.com.
