Laura Edwards: Hip Hop’s New Fresh Face
With very little time to spare these days, dancer Laura Edwards still sounds sunny and friendly despite a demanding touring schedule that constantly has her on the move. In the midst of Britney Spears’ Circus Tour, she finds some time just hours before their show in Helsinki, Finland to chat. She’s been on tour since January and although the agenda is exhausting, she seems exhilarated. It’s the kind of boost that can only be a result of loving every minute of it, because tomorrow she’s off again, and this time to Russia.
You may remember Edwards from Season 1 of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew”—she was the bright-eyed blonde in the all-female troupe Fysh n Chicks. Her dancing, which has a style of determined intensity and liquid smooth movements, makes you feel like you are watching something raw, fulfilling and exciting. She says hip hop makes her happy and I say we’re happy to watch.
Edwards began dancing at age 2 and was trained in tap, ballet and jazz. She attended the same dance school until she graduated from high school and performed in dance competitions and conventions. Her early dancing years were not much different from anyone else’s. However, she took a masterclass with Wade Robson and at 12 years old she started attending the dance convention Monsters of Hip Hop; this is when she began to find her niche in dance. “That is what I felt like I was good at and what I love,” recalls Edwards.
She went on to book her first professional job at 19 in a music video for Lil’ Mo in her hometown in Maryland. Unfortunately, she couldn’t make it to the audition because of a prior commitment at her regular job at a furniture store . Disappointed about the missed opportunity, Edwards soon found out that the choreographer for the video had heard about her and wanted her. “I guess it all worked out because I did a good thing,” she laughs.
From there her professional career took off and she got a part in the movie “Step Up,” which was filmed in Maryland because “they needed locals.” Edwards has since been in several movies including, “Step Up 2: The Streets,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks” and “Hairspray.” Having experience in both live dance and dance on film is a valuable asset to anyone trying to break into commercial dance. “Film is not an adrenaline rush like live dancing,” says Edwards. “But you see how they piece everything together. How it looks on stage verses a camera. You have to have consistency and continuity.”
This knowledge proved useful while on “America’s Best Dance Crew.” Although Edwards had danced with the ladies from Fysh n Chicks individually before the show, they had never been together as a crew. But once the seven girls were put together their chemistry and skill soared. As Season 1 competitors no one knew what to expect. “It was really stressful,” Edwards says with sigh. “It was the first season so we were the guinea pigs for everything.” Compiling the music and choreographing the dance in such a short amount of time was one of the biggest challenges. Also, like any new show, Edwards comments that the accommodations and resources, like rehearsal space and mirrors, were not as favorable as they are now that the show is in its fourth season.
Anyone who has watched a talent competition knows the dedication and patience necessary to get the task accomplished, while also working among so many individuals. “We were dealing with different personalities,” recalls Edwards. “We had to pretty much eat, sleep and dance while we were there.”
Citing her time on the show as one of the most stressful times of her life, we the viewers only get a glimpse into the demands placed on the dancers. “I always said, ‘Oh, it’s not that emotional on those shows,’” she comments. “And I’m an emotional person and every episode I cried. It’s so intense up there, there is so much pressure. I’m glad I did it, but I’ll never do it again.”
In between the hectic rehearsals and tears, Edwards was able to meet so many different people, share advice and background, and create long lasting friendships. “I gained a lot of experience in doing it and knowing what a show like that is all about.” Although the dancers from Fysh n Chicks do not regularly perform together, Edwards says they do shows whenever their schedules will allow. “We all have our own individual careers, but we love to get together when we can.”
The exposure that comes as a result of competing in a high profile show such as “America’s Best Dance Crew” can often be a dream come true. Once you are on everyone’s radar the jobs come flowing, but Edwards notices the largest impact on her teaching and choreographic endeavors. “It made teaching jobs better for me!” she exclaims. Because of the recognition she achieved on the show, dance schools are eager to have Edwards teach masterclasses. “Studios go crazy for that stuff. That is where it helps your career because people know who you are.”
She began teaching at her dance studio in Maryland when she was just 14 years old and rose to the challenge, taking advantage of all the opportunities and responsibilities teaching entails. She recalls the excitement in discovering what she could come up with while choreographing combinations and routines, but for Edwards the biggest perk was the growing relationship with her students. The strong connection and respect between teacher and dancer can often be the most rewarding outcome. “The bond that I have with the kids at the studio, that’s what kept me in Maryland for so long,” she says, an obvious warmth swelling in her tone.
Edwards moved to Los Angeles, CA several years ago to further pursue her own dancing career, but continues to teach at studios in L.A. (and in Maryland when she returns home for a visit). She has experience teaching both students and professionals. As any teacher knows, when you teach different levels of dancers you must be aware of their abilities and adjust your demands accordingly. “You have to think about the level,” she advises. “Keep it fun for the studios and focus more on precision and emotion for the professionals. Especially on ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’ They always have a story behind the dance.”
While there are different expectations for each level, Edwards seems to enjoy what makes them different. “It’s nice knowing I’m going to inspire someone, to know that you made a difference in their day and their dancing,” she says of teaching students. “I teach classes in L.A. and a lot of professional dancers come and it’s nice because you don’t have to hold back.”
Although she has a passion for teaching and choreographing, she is centering her focus on her own dancing and is not quite ready to completely bridge over as a choreographer. Now on tour with Britney Spears in The Circus Tour she has the opportunity to work alongside one of the biggest names in pop music.
The audition process for the tour took two days and as soon as Edwards found out she was chosen, the rehearsals began that very same day. On the road since January, Edwards will spend the whole year on tour, performing in some of the biggest venues around the world to sold out audiences.
Describing the experience as exhausting and amazing, she fills all of her time with dancing in one way or another. On the road and while on breaks, she teaches classes all over the world, which she mentions has been an interesting experience because she has never taught abroad before. Rather than running on empty, Edwards seems to be floating on air. With a dream job for the year, she exclaims, “This is my first tour!”
“I always wanted to do Michael Jackson and Britney Spears. So, at least I get to do one of my goals.” With a triumphant start to her pursuits, it seems she is well on her way to a dancing career’s happily ever after. Young, talented and steadfast, the trifecta is in full effect. A lifetime full of hard work and the help of one TV show has put Laura Edwards on the map. For this bright-eyed blonde gone red head (for the tour), it’s full speed ahead.