Lara Cerda
Artist
Performer
Choreographer
Teacher
About Me
I graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Performance, and Choreography. During my time at Texas State, I was honored to receive dance scholarships, become a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Council of Scholars, and earn the J. Ralph Harrel Outstanding Senior Award in Dance.
Born in Austin, Texas, I began dancing at the age of three. I have trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theatre, and contemporary styles. My training includes participation in summer dance intensives at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Sam Houston State University, Indiana University, and Dean College, as well as dance conventions throuhgout Texas.
In 2022, I joined Merge Dance Company, Texas State University's pre-professional dance company co-directed by Ana Baer and Torens Johnson. With Merge, I collaborated with esteemed choreographers such as Heike Salzer, Michelle Nance, Ana Baer, and Torens Johnson, performing in The Four Seasons: How We Got Here. Additionally, I appeared in various Texas State productions, including Belonging, Through Stained Glass, Introspective, and more. During my senior year, I choreographed my BFA thesis piece, Chain.
Currently, I am an instructor at 620 Dance Centre, where I teach ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, assist in hip-hop instruction, and serve as the assistant director of their performance company, Debut Performances Company. I am passionate about continuing my journey as a performer, choreographer, and educator in the art of dance.
Artistic Statement
As a dance performer and choreographer, I am constantly evolving and exploring the boundaries of my body and deepening my understanding of those around me. I embrace mistakes and take risks, both in technique classes and in my choreographic process, striving to inspire this same openness in the dancers I work with.
I am deeply committed to my technical foundation and continually seek to refine it. In my improvisation practice, I enjoy deconstructing technical movements to stylize and personalize them, making each motion uniquely my own. My fellow dancers are a constant source of inspiration; observing their technique, style, and movement quality offers endless opportunities to learn and grow. I am especially captivated by performers who embody their most authentic selves, expressing individuality even within structured choreography.
In my choreographic process, I draw inspiration from the origins of movement and the music itself. Improvisation is often my starting point, allowing me to translate ideas from my mind into my body. From there, I focus on uncovering the essence of a particular movement, which often becomes the foundation for the work. Each piece I create is guided by a sense of discovery—seeking to connect meaningfully with audiences while celebrating the artistry of the dancers I collaborate with.
Teaching Statement
As a dance educator, my top priority is creating a safe space where my students feel free to be themselves by fostering a sense of community within the classroom. Individuality is a vital part of being an artist, and as a teacher, my role is not to have students mirror my every move but to help them discover and embrace what resonates with them as unique artists. While precision in technique is an essential foundation for a dancer's career, beyond that, there is no reason to expect every dancer to look, move, or think the same way.
I strive to create this safe environment by connecting with my students on an individual level and encouraging open, two-way conversations rather than relying solely on instruction. Each student has a unique personality and learning style, which requires adapting my teaching methods to meet their needs. My goal is to understand each student's strengths, find the methods that work best for them, and remain open to feedback and ideas they share. Teaching is a collaborative process, and while I guide my students, I also learn from them and value their input.
Teaching dance is a privilege, and watching young dancers grow into their most authentic selves is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job. I aim to nurture their creativity and expression by creating a space where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to explore who they truly are.