Lara Lanphier received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of California, Irvine. One of her favorite roles she performed in college was Cinderella in the full-length ballet choreographed by David Allan. While attending UCI, Lara was selected as an Arts Bridge Scholar to integrate dance technique with primary school curriculum in local inner-city schools. Lara also worked at Health Bridge Children’s Hospital where she gained unique experience teaching dance for severely traumatized and physically impaired children.
In 2009, Lara moved to Houston to dance professionally with Ad Deum Dance Company directed by Randall Flinn. Lara was privileged to perform in works choreographed by Steve Rooks, former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Company, Freddie Moore of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, and Durrell Comedy from the José Limón Dance Company. During her six years with Ad Deum, Lara led many outreach performances and movement workshops at hospitals, homeless shelters, children’s homes, and schools.
Lara currently teaches dance throughout the city for Easter Seals Greater Houston, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Texas Children’s Hospital, and Sheltering Arms Dementia program. Lara continues to travel internationally as a teacher, performer and missionary. Her most recent mission trip was to Thailand where many orphans experienced dance for the first time! Lara is honored to be teaching for the Education & Community Engagement department at Houston Ballet.