HomeLauren Thompson

LAUREN THOMPSON 15 Gloria Ziaks & Caryn Halperin Ballet Scholarship

Lauren is currently training at The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is a full time resident student. She lives away from her family for the school year, which is both a difficult and rewarding experience at the same time. She feels very fortunate to have her family's support, and for the opportunity to pursue her goals. It is her goal to one day join a professional ballet company, and it is something Lauren works toward every day.

Prior to beginning her training as a year round student at Harid, Lauren was trained by Sandra Balestracci at The Eastern Virginia School for the Performing Arts.

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I had an amazing experience at San Francisco Ballet School's Summer Intensive. The training at SFB is very different from my training at The Harid Conservatory. The biggest difference is that I took all of my technique classes on pointe. It took some getting used to but over time, I found that I was really building a lot of foot strength and my pointe work improved so much. The teachers at SFB were some of the best I've ever had. They were very attentive and helpful, and I could feel myself getting stronger and better every day.

One of my favorite parts about being at SFB was the fact that the San Francisco Ballet company dancers were in the same building, taking class and rehearsing. I absolutely loved being able to watch so many of my role models up close. We also had the opportunity to meet several artists during the "Meet the Artists" series that they offered weekly. Professionals from the company came to our dorms and spent time telling us about their journey in ballet. It really was a unique opportunity and they were all so nice about answering our questions, signing autographs and taking pictures with us.

I am very grateful to Dance Council of North Texas for selecting me as the Caryn Halperin and Gloria Ziaks Ballet Scholarship. Attending San Francisco Ballet School was an incredible opportunity for me to expand my training. I am hopeful to be able to attend again next year.