Instructors
Lauren Vann Babb
Director
Lauren Babb, a native of Smithfield, Virginia, is the Director and Owner of Footnotes School of Dance and has dedicated her life to the art of dance and education. A graduate of the Governor’s School for the Arts, where she majored in Modern Dance, Lauren was awarded the Governor’s School Scholarship and continued her studies at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Fine Arts. There, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Dance and Choreography. During her time at VCU, Lauren had the privilege of working with renowned artists such as Patrik Widrig, Judy Steele, David Dorfman, Scott Putman, Robert Battle, Gerri Houlihan, and more. She was also a recipient of the Joan Oats Teaching Scholarship, which she held throughout her time at VCU.
After graduating, Lauren broadened her horizons by traveling to San Jose, Costa Rica, to study Advanced Modern Dance Technique, Choreography, and Lighting Design. This transformative experience deepened her understanding of cultural influences in dance and honed her ability to create dynamic, impactful choreography, which continues to shape her teaching philosophy today. While in Costa Rica, she performed choreography by Scott Putman and presented her own work at the National Auditorium in San Jose. Upon returning to the United States, Lauren joined the modern dance company Amaranth, directed by Scott Putman, where she performed until 2008.
With over 24 years of teaching experience Lauren's studio has received numerous accolades, including Studio Excellence awards, and her choreography has been recognized with honors such as Most Entertaining, Judges' Choice, and Overall Best Choreography at regional and national dance competitions. Her students have earned full scholarships to renowned summer programs and conventions, reflecting her dedication to fostering their artistic growth.
In addition to her work at Footnotes, Lauren is deeply committed to her community. She has co-directed the 757 Nutcracker for the past two years, bringing the magic of this holiday classic to audiences in the Hampton Roads area. As a homeschooling mother of two, Lauren has also co-founded a co-operative learning group, Collaborative Learning Community for homeschool families, providing an enriching and supportive educational environment.
Lauren recently partnered with her longtime friend Bellamy Eure to co-found 757 Head Space, a nonprofit organization that provides local artists with a platform to showcase their work and connect with fellow creatives. Since its founding, 757 Head Space has hosted choreographers’ showcases, art exhibits, and live performances, fostering collaboration and creative growth within the Hampton Roads community. She believes passionately that art should be used for the greater good and strives to make the arts accessible to all.
Balancing her roles as a mother, educator, choreographer, and nonprofit leader, Lauren finds fulfillment and vitality in every aspect of her life. Lauren hopes her commitment to her family, her students, and the arts continues to inspire those around her, as she strives to push her students further in the arts.
Megan Jay
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Adult Ballet, Conditioning
Katrina Loheide
Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Pointe, Conditioning
Rachel Delgado
Acrobatic Arts
Rashad Wiggins
Hip Hop