Lauryn Peterson began performing in theatre at a young age in Chattanooga and continued into her college years. At Bard College, Lauryn shifted her attention to advocacy but was always active in the arts. In July 2003, Lauryn returned home from studying abroad in Budapest, struggling with an eating disorder. She impulsively signed up for classes at Zanzibar Studio. Lauryn loves to talk about how bellydance quickly became a healing force in her life. In the school years, Lauryn studied non-stop in New York with Allegra Hirschman (Three Sisters Dance) and Victoria Jacobs (Barrio Flamenco). During breaks, Lauryn returned to Zanzibar from Andrea Perkins, Jules Downum, Miranda Cagle, and Stacey Nolan.

 

In May 2005, Lauryn moved back to her hometown, got engaged to her wonderful husband Jared, and immersed herself in consistent study at Zanzibar. Lauryn began assisting and substitute teaching in 2006 and took on her first full class in 2007. Lauryn has been a regular Zanzibar instructor since June 2008. Lauryn has performed with the Bard Bellydance Collective, Tribe Zanzibar, and Dandasha Dance Company. Lauryn is a proud founding member of Mirabai Bellydance and loves to offer yoga and dance demos to non-profits. Lauryn began studying dance at Chattanooga State in Janurary 2009 and continues as an active student in Modern and Aerial Dance classes. In June 2009, Lauryn became a certified yoga instructor under the direction of Stephanie Keach and teaches various yoga classes in the area. Lauryn and her mother operate a business called The Asala Center which offers Constructive Living instruction in addition to movement instruction.

Lauryn has enjoyed Intensive Workshops with Bellydance Superstars Zoe Jakes and Moria Chappell. In April 2009, Lauryn attended the second Mira Betz Week-long Performance Seminar, and in November 2009, Lauryn took Donna Mejia's Pedagogy Institute. Lauryn has also studied with world famous Rachel Brice and Mardi Love (The Indigo and BDSS), Heather Stants (Urban Tribal), Jill Parker (Ultra Gypsy), Amy Sigil (Unmata), Elizabeth Strong, Ariellah, Asharah, Zafira Dance Company, Onca (Mezmer Society), Raquy Danziger, Tobias Roberson, and many others. Lauryn is passionate about learning from other teachers and has enjoyed recently taking classes from her colleagues Lacy and Mattie (Dandasha). She loves to ramble about her healing process and thank her myriad teachers at www.peleblow.blogspot.com