Laurie Dodge
Laurie Dodge is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and director currently pursuing her Bachelors of Arts in Performance at the University of Maryland, College Parks School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. She has been training in dance for 17 years, began choreographing and teaching 7 years ago, and has been a full-time teacher and director for the past 4 years.
In order to continue her work in the community, she chose to stay in Maryland for her education. Laurie received a scholarship to attend UMBC’s growing BA program, but she chose to attend University of Maryland on full tuition scholarship as a Creative and Performing Arts Scholar. At UMD, she has studied under Christopher K Morgan, Alvin Mayes, Adriane Fang, and amongst other prestigious faculty. She has been featured in three Thesis Concerts by master’s students, Curtis Stedge, Jen Graham, and Allen Xing. She performed regularly in numerous works by faculty, performing at the Kennedy Center and at the ACDA Mid Atlantic North Conference. While pursuing her education, Laurie keeps her focus on teaching by bringing quality work back to her intermediate through highly advanced student dancers.
Teaching and Directing in dance has always been a focus for her. As early as her sophomore year in high school she was a mentor student, taught dance classes, directed multiple shows, and was the President of her chapter of Nu Delta Alpha, a National Dance Honor Society. Mentored closely by Jen Graham, she started transitioning into the professional world of teaching, directing, and choreography. She began as Assistant Rehearsal Director of Catalyst Dance Theatre and is now the Director of Project C Studios’ Student Company. Laurie has choreographed many solos, duos, trios, and group pieces on student and collegiate companies. Her works have received special accolades in the field, making Laurie a sought-after choreographer in the community.
In addition to choreographing and directing, Laurie is currently a teacher in residence at Project C Studios, and Ballet Conservatoire XIV. She has also taught classes and Master Classes at University of Maryland, Caroll Community College’s Drama Festival, NextNow Festival, Arabesque Dance Studio, DL Dance Project, Kinetics Dance Theatre, Genesis Arts LLC, and Joyful Motion Dance Studio. She is excited to play an even more influential part in developing her dancers and the community as she steps into her new role as Assistant Director of Project C Studios.