New Era At DanceOne! iD’s Exclusive Sit-Down With DanceOne’s Lauryn Turner
DanceOne isn't simply in the business of producing events. We're in the business of helping shape confident, creative, and resilient young people—and moving dance forward together. - Lauryn Turner
Inside Dance has an advertising partnership with DanceOne.
Inside Dance recently sat down for a one-on-one exclusive with the exciting new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at DanceOne, Lauryn Turner. As DanceOne enters an exciting new chapter under the leadership of CEO Lauryn Turner, the organization is focused on strengthening its commitment to dancers, teachers, studio owners, and families while continuing to shape the future of dance. Turner, DanceOne’s first female CEO, brings decades of leadership experience across youth sports, entertainment, and professional athletics. We sat down with her to discuss her vision for DanceOne, the opportunities ahead, and how the organization plans to continue moving dance forward together. Join us in this inspiring conversation with DanceOne’s new CEO as she embarks on making history and impact.
What attracted and drew you to the world of dance and DanceOne specifically?!
Dance has always been part of who I am. It taught me discipline, confidence, resilience, teamwork, and perseverance long before I fully understood those qualities. Those lessons have shaped how I lead today. As a teacher and a mother, I developed an even deeper appreciation for this community. Dance teachers don’t simply train dancers. They help shape confident, resilient young people. That’s what makes this industry so special.
So, for me, this is a perfect opportunity to align my professional experience with running youth sports organizations on a global stage and my passion for dance. DanceOne has an incredible legacy through its iconic brands across both the convention and competition sides of the business. The opportunity to build upon that foundation and bring the brands together around a shared vision while continuing to celebrate what makes each one unique… that’s incredibly exciting to me.
How do you feel your previous experience has prepared you and set you up for success in this new role at DanceOne?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of leading organizations through periods of significant growth and transformation. Whether leading USA Gymnastics during one of the most important rebuilding periods in its history or helping the Dallas Wings achieve record attendance and revenue growth, every experience reinforced that the strongest organizations never forget how they got there.
Those experiences taught me that the strongest organizations never lose sight of why they exist. They earn trust every day and stay connected to the communities they serve. That’s the mindset I’m bringing to DanceOne.
As a business professional yourself, how do you feel you connect to the studio owners?
I think, first and foremost, I understand the community and the studio owner’s perspective, including the challenging, yet inspiring moments that keep them going. Studio owners wear more hats than most people realize. They’re educators, entrepreneurs, mentors, marketers, accountants, and often counselors. They dedicate themselves to helping young people succeed while simultaneously managing the challenges of running a small business. At DanceOne, our responsibility is to make their lives easier. Whether that’s through world-class events, scholarships, educational opportunities, business resources, or meaningful partnerships, we want to be more than an event company. We want to become trusted partners in helping studios thrive.
What is your vision for the immediate and long term future at DanceOne?
My vision is simple: to be the most trusted, innovative, and impactful organization in dance. That starts with creating extraordinary experiences for dancers and families, and it means investing in our teachers and studio owners, because they are the foundation of this industry. It also means embracing innovation that enhances the dancer’s experience. This summer we introduced new experiences for dancers with events like The ONE, and we’re just getting started. There’s more ahead—new events, programs, and opportunities designed to inspire, educate, and connect with our community.
None of those matters, though, without safety at the center of it. Safety isn’t just a program or an initiative. It is woven into every decision we make, from our venues and production to education, communication, and athlete’s well-being. Families deserve that confidence every time they attend one of our events.
Ultimately, DanceOne isn’t simply in the business of producing events. We’re in the business of helping shape confident, creative, and resilient young people whose experiences in dance will serve them for the rest of their lives.
The industry is buzzing with the excitement of DanceOne having its first female CEO! How does this historical moment within the organization make you feel as you step into the role?
It’s certainly an incredible honor; however, it’s not necessarily something I think about every day. Ultimately, I want to be known for helping DanceOne grow, serving this community well, and leaving the organization stronger than I found it. I’ve had the privilege of leading multiple youth organizations to new levels of growth and success, and I’m excited to bring that experience, along with my passion for the industry, to this role every day. If seeing a woman in this role encourages another young woman to believe she can lead too, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Something I shared in a recent press release was: “Dance is one of the most passionate, inspiring, and community-driven industries in the world.” I’ve never felt more strongly about a statement. I’m excited to be part of an organization that provides innovative opportunities while fostering environments where dancers feel supported, inspired, safe, and empowered.
Will we see you “on tour” this summer across upcoming DanceOne championships and conferences?!
You sure will! One of the things I’m looking forward to most is meeting the people who make this community so special—our dancers, teachers, studio owners, families, judges, and staff. The best ideas come from listening. I’ll be attending events throughout the summer because I want to experience DanceOne through the eyes of our community, celebrate with them, and continue building the future of dance together.
I truly believe DanceOne has an incredible opportunity to help move dance forward, and I can’t wait to do that alongside the people who make this industry extraordinary.
