Lauren Thompson

Honolulu, HI

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lauren Thompson began her training at Ballet Hawaii and Honolulu Classical Ballet before leaving home to further her studies at Ballet West Academy’s Professional Training Division and Trainee Program, and Nashville Ballet II. She has attended summer programs at American Ballet Theatre, Boca Ballet Theatre, and Nashville Ballet. She began her professional career with The Bray Ballet where she danced for three seasons, performing lead roles in The Nutcracker and Dracula.

Lauren joined Madison Ballet in 2021. Her repertoire with the company include title roles in Paquita and Act II of Giselle, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and the Rose in The Nutcracker. She has also performed soloist roles in Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, Heinz Poll’s Eight by Benny and Schubert Waltzes, and in works by Stephanie Martinez, Tom Mattingly, Meredith Rainey, and Alia Kache. She has been featured in the work of Madison Ballet Artistic Director Ja’ Malik, performing soloist and principal roles in both his existing repertoire and new works created on her. She has also performed as a guest artist with Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Honolulu Classical Ballet, and Mainstage Academy of Dance.

Alongside her performing career, Lauren is a passionate educator, teaching at the School of Madison Ballet and as a guest instructor throughout Wisconsin. She recently collaborated with Madison Ballet Special Projects to organize Summer Suite, a fundraiser for the School of Madison Ballet scholarship fund.