Meet Lauren

Lauren Morris

Founder + Executive Director | lauren@moveinclusivedance.com

Most of my life’s fondest memories happened on a wood grain floor, dancing my heart out. My dance studio was my favorite place to be. It brought joy to my life that nothing else could. One day, when I was around the age of 13 and on my way home from dance class, I asked my mom why there weren’t any dance studios for people with disabilities. My mom replied, “I don’t know. Maybe you will open one someday.”

Seven years later, I was in my senior year at the University of Southern Mississippi, studying dance education. During my capstone course, I was required to create a presentation on anything related to dance. Upon remembering the conversation I had with my mother many years before, I decided to give mine on the benefits that dance has for people with Down syndrome. After the presentation, one of my professors said to me, “You should start a program like that.” And I thought, “Maybe I will someday.”

By 2018, I had built a career in the dance and fitness world. I felt proud of my accomplishments, but there was still something missing from my life. Again, the idea to create an inclusive dance program resurfaced. But this time, I took action. 

I began my research, looking for similar programs, but I found that options were limited. I contacted professionals and went on coffee dates with strangers, seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this community. In all my conversations, I found that people were willing and eager to help! They wanted to see my dream become a reality because they believed just as much as I did that the world would benefit from this program. Their encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to finally make this life-long dream a reality and now, I can’t imagine my life without my students and the community we are building together.