Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Violet Lund.
Hi Laura Violet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey from chorus girl to award-nominated choreographer has been a labor of love and passion. I began taking ballet classes at the age of 5. I focused on ballet until age 13 when I moved to Texas and added tap and jazz to my skill set. From the high school drill team to the University of Texas “Longhorn Luvs,” dance has always been the focal point of my life. I love supporting others in their dance journey and developing new choreography. My parents made our garage into a dance studio. The prospective drill team girls would come over to practice. I have always had a dance space in my home to “create” and dance with others. After moving to Austin 19 years ago, I started taking classes at Tapestry and Ballet Austin, where I found my dance tribe. In addition, I was a member of “The Austin City Showgirls,” and we performed on “America’s Got Talent.” I have been active as a performer in local theatre with several theatre companies. Productions include “Guys and Dolls,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” and “The Will Rogers Follies.” My introduction to the art of Burlesque is unique. Walking my dog around the Mueller neighborhood, I heard music in the alley.
I met “The Bat City Bombshells,” shooting a video. Upon invitation, I came back the next week and joined the troupe. I have been doing choreography and performing with the troupe “Violet Sky” for the past 10 years. As a choreographer, I have received critical acclaim for my work on “Pageant, The Musical,” “Nunsense,” and “Ruthless” with my creative partner, Jim Lindsay. In 2023, we were nominated by the B. Iden Payne Council for “Outstanding Choreography” for our second run of “Pageant, The Musical.” It was an extraordinary night honoring our local theater community. Austin’s artistic energy has allowed me to explore my most creative self. I am very grateful. Laura Lund, aka “Violet Sky.”
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Breaking from being seen as a chorus girl to being a choreographer takes work. It takes someone believing in you and your ideas. I knew I had what it takes, but convincing others took work. My experience with pageants gave me a unique insight into choreographing the musical “Pageant.” I had the director over to my home and showed him my crowns and banners. I convinced him that I was the right person to co-choreograph that show. After the success of that production and the critical acclaim, I was given more opportunities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us more about your work.
I am known for making dancers at all levels of training and experience feel confident and move well on stage. When a cast member comes to me and says, “But I am not a dancer,” I reply, “You are dancing; you are a dancer!”
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I have learned is to be more collaborative. I can have a strong vision, but I need to be open to adjusting and re-imagining my vision.
Image Credits
Steve Dement Photography, Amy Steinman, Cohen B. Iden, Payne Awards Council
