Lauren (Baznik) Spahr is from Naperville, Illinois where she trained under Sherry Moray and Irina Starovoitova at the Academy of Dance Arts. After winning first place at Youth America Grand Prix in Chicago, she competed in the final round of Youth America Grand Prix in New York City in 2010. She was awarded full scholarships to the John Cranko Schule in Stuttgart, Germany and the Princess Grace Academy in Monte Carlo, Monaco. After attending both schools, she graduated from the Princess Grace Academy. While in Monaco, she danced in galas in both Genoa and Venice, Italy, showcasing both classical repertoire and works from Jean-Christophe Maillot.

Upon graduation, Lauren accepted a job with Junior Ballett Zurich in Switzerland and shortly after received a promotion to the main company. While in Zurich, she performed as the soloist in the world premiere of Christian Spuck’s “Solitude.”  She toured worldwide with the company performing works from choreographers such as Christian Spuck, Marco Goecke, Martin Schlapfer, Stephan Thoss, Heinz Spoerli, Patrice Bart, and more. Lauren was also given the opportunity to perform in galas throughout Italy performing Odette in Swan Lake and Diana in Diana and Acteon. Spahr competed and was a finalist in the Varna International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria. She was awarded as one of the top fifteen senior dancers in the competition.

On her return back to America, she danced a season with the Charlotte Ballet before retiring back to the Chicagoland area. Lauren is thrilled to be on faculty with the West Suburban Ballet Conservatory.