Lauren Farris
Lauren (Anderson) Farris began her dance education at the age of 3, growing up in prominent studios in Orange County with a primary focus in ballet and pointe, with additional training in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop. She was accepted into multiple professional ballet training intensives with companies such as Joffrey, Bolshoi and ABT.
Lauren began modeling at age 8 and has done runway, fashion, and commercial work for local and international companies over the last three decades; brands include Macy’s, Tilly’s, Sketchers, and Leg Avenue. She has also participated in commercials, music videos, and live event work with MTV productions.
As a competitive dancer, she has won multiple national championship titles with USA, UDA, & NDA, including “American Grand National Soloist Champion.”
At 16, Lauren accepted representation from Dorothy Day Otis Talent Agency in Los Angeles, continuing her dancing and training with lead industry choreographers in Hollywood. She was a professional dancer and choreographer for a Southern California sports team, and spent three years on staff for U.S. Spiritleaders as a dance instructor and choreographer. After winning multiple titles with The National Dance Alliance (NDA) Lauren was invited to be a model and brand ambassador for the company for the following two years.
Lauren attended Saddleback College, as well as The Body Arts and Science International Academy, obtaining her Pilates credentials with a dual certification in dance specialized exercises designed specifically for technique enhancement and injury prevention. She has continued to add to her professional experience as a talent member of a Southern California based entertainment company where she has worked special events featuring artists like Usher and Stevie Wonder.
Lauren was a head coach & choreographer at a competitive performing arts studio for nine years, where she led all elite teams and classes. She has received numerous awards for her choreography along with the honor of being a two time nominee for the Industry Dance Awards.
Lauren's choreography has been featured on television including a live production directed by Emmy nominated producer Ron DeShay, featuring American Idol winners and fan favorites. She has enjoyed two decades as a professional judge for national and international competitions such as CheerPros, USSL, and The Miss Dance USA Pageant.
For the last 20+ years, she has taught in public schools, private schools, and charter schools, most notably coaching the nationally ranked Mater Dei High School Song program, as well as co-directing the renown theatrical dance program “Orchesis” at Corona del Mar High School for over a decade. Lauren is proud to be South Coast Freestyle Pro-Team Alumni and has been teaching at SCF since the first day it opened it’s blue walls! She is also proud to be in her eighth year as a faculty member at Orange County School of the Arts, teaching dance and Pilates to grades 7th-12th.
Lauren lives in Orange County where she and her husband share 5 children, and she is currently obtaining her teaching credential through the Orange County Department of Education.