We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Denysek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.

Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I took a risk right after graduation to pursue a career in the arts. Although my family and friends were extremely supportive of the decision, it was quite scary. So many questions ran through my mind. And not just once, but sometimes daily.

Will I be talented enough to pursue my dreams?

Will I meet the right people?

Will I be able to make a living from performing exclusively?

Am I mentally capable of pursuing this career, as rejection comes more than success.

After graduating, I took the risk of moving to Vancouver. Once in Vancouver, I trained daily with multiple companies, and took several classes in order to make connections, continue my training, and work towards my dreams.

After training and booking gigs in Vancouver for about four years, I took my next risk in life. I decided to start performing on cruise ships. This ticked off a goal of mine, as I was making a full-time salary, exclusively from performing. But there are pros and cons in every scenario. Performing on cruise ships meant being away from friends and family for up to 10 months at a time. It also meant new living quarters, and a new lifestyle. The risk was worth the reward. I was scared and nervous, but I then went on to work on cruise ships for the next five years.

Now, the next risk in my life has presented itself. I am starting a new job, in my hometown. The questions I now ask myself:

Will I enjoy this job?

Will I meet expectations?

Am I fit for this new lifestyle?

Will I welcome a new routine I will create, or will I inch away from it?

So many questions running through my head again. But one thing remains, it’s a new opportunity, with new experiences. My closest family and friends are still the most supportive of my new endeavour. But that doesn’t mean I am not scared, anxious, and nervous.

I believe in myself in entirety, and even though my risks may not be life threatening, they are most certainly life-changing.  I remain optimistic and positive everyday, as “what is to be, is up to me.” I will create a life I enjoy and love.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Lauren Denysek and I am a creative and professional, born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada. From a young age I trained as a dancer, and after graduation, I found myself in Vancouver, BC, chasing and pursuing my goals and dreams. After getting signed with an agency, I was able to work in the industry. This included Riverdale, Disney Descendants 2, Zoey’s Infinite Playlist, and more. I am so grateful to have an amazing agency who supports my journey, and am thankful for everyone who I have trained with who gave me the experience I needed to succeed.

After four years in Vancouver, I found myself performing with Royal Caribbean on their world class cruise ships. My love for dance and travel was combined as I performed for an audience on a nightly basis.

When COVID hit, I studied and received my Diploma in Graphic Design and also gained my Personal Training Certificate. I absolutely love training and studying, and I truly do believe that people can succeed at multiple things in their life. I believe when people create the right opportunities, whatever experiences come their way, are right for them.

What I am most proud of throughout my life and career so far, is how versatile I have remained. I don’t just mean versatile in the sense of being able to perform many genres of dance. What I mean, is that I have found so many paths in life that I am eager and interested in exploring, and I am not afraid to step out of my “niche” or what people see me as, in order to fill my cup. I know that I have so much to offer to my community. Whether it be dancing and performing, teaching fitness classes, or trying out new jobs and career paths to make a difference.

I love dance, fitness, branding, digitally designing, education, and I love stepping out of my comfort zone. I believe in finding what makes you happy, and there’s not one set path that’ll lead you there.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Through my career as a performer, I have hit many walls. I have injured myself three times due to performing, and all have lead to an extensive recovery period. I have torn the meniscus in both my knees, and have fractured my calcaneus.

When being injured takes away your job, life gets pretty muddled. There were times where I felt helpless, insecure, and unworthy. I was tangling a web of self-doubt in my head.

The recovery process of these injuries was not just physical, but mental as well.

I believe that I came out stronger than ever after every single injury. What helped along my recovery, is knowing what was waiting for me on the other side. My loved ones and family were there for me every step of the way, and knowing that every physiotherapy appointment was getting me one step closer to being back on the stage was what kept me fighting and pushing.

My injuries not only taught me how to recover, but also taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. This means physically and mentally. I gained a new respect for my own body.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Creatives and artists do what they do because they are passionate. The biggest thing society can do to keep a creative pushing is to support them. Everything helps. Whether it’s buying a ticket to see their show, or donating $10 to their GoFundMe, or even asking how you can support them.

The smallest support is appreciated in the biggest ways from creatives and artists.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @laurendenysek

Image Credits
Katherine Richardson Photography