From beginning her time at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) as a Commercial Dance student to returning now as the director, Lauren Lim Jackson brings a lot of experience to her new role.
After graduating from OCSA, Ms. Jackson went on to graduate from Harvard University with a degree in Sociology and a Secondary Degree in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, giving her a diverse and innovative perspective to her career. She has performed and choreographed multiple Broadway productions as well as film and television work. Previously, Ms. Jackson served as director of OCSA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory before taking a few years away to pursue her Masters in Arts Administration and be a mom to three little ones.
As the new OCSA school year begins, we dive in to learn more about Ms. Jackson’s return to OCSA, her passion for the arts, goals for the future, and more.
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What made you fall in love with dance and the arts?
Ever since I could remember, I always wanted to be on a stage or a TV screen. For me, it's a way to escape into a magical world where everything is meaningful and beautiful.
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What drew you to OCSA initially?
I did what every good little sister does: I followed in my big sister’s footsteps. She graduated from CMD in 1999 and I came in that Fall.
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What inspires you and your artistic expression?
Shedding light on issues, experiences, and causes that mean something to me. I always gravitate toward themes and projects that address issues that directly affect me or the ones I love. On the flip side, if it’s a little weird and quirky, I’m totally in.
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This is your third time returning to the OCSA community: first as a student, then as the director of Musical Theatre, and now the Director of Commercial Dance. What interested you about returning to OCSA in this new role?
OCSA has and always will be my home. It’s the reason why I became passionate about the arts and arts education in the first place. How lucky to get to experience something so special and then have the opportunity to share it with the next generation. It truly is an honor.
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What are the differences and similarities between being the director of Commercial Dance and the director of Musical Theatre?
The big difference is the curriculum. MT equals LOTS of singing. CMD equals LOTS of dancing. As MT Director I feel accomplished that I helped with the dance curriculum. Next stop: getting these dancers to sing! The biggest similarity: MT and CMD students both have the biggest hearts.
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As an OCSA alumna and now conservatory leadership, what is something you wish you could tell the student version of yourself?
I would tell myself that everything is going to work out exactly the way it should. Trust your gut, follow your passions, and as long as you love what you’re doing, you’re going to be successful.
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What is your favorite part of dance and performing?
My favorite part about dancing and performing is that moment where time stops and there’s nothing but me and the music. It’s almost an out of body experience where everything happens in slow motion and when it’s over, all you’re left with is…a feeling.
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What does Commercial Dance mean to you?
Commercial Dance is the multi-hypenate of the dance world; it demands versatility and adaptability. At any given moment, you may be asked to do ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, cultural styles…ANY dance style that can be used for mainstream industries.
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What are some of your goals for the Commercial Dance Conservatory this year?
For this year it’s really about rediscovering the essence of commercial dance and to build community. It’s not always easy getting a new director, especially for my juniors and seniors. Change takes time and it takes trust. My goal is to explore a myriad of dance styles and to create a trust-filled and heart-centered community.
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You have had some amazing opportunities as a dancer and performer professionally. What is something you learned in your professional experience that helps translate in your current position?
Above all else, including talent and intelligence, be a kind person. Be someone people want to work with. Be someone who’s always ready to inspire and be inspired.
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What are you looking forward to this school year?
I am most excited to get to know my CMD students. Every day they continue to amaze me…and it’s not just how beautiful they dance; it’s how beautiful their hearts are. They have so much joy.
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What can students in your conservatory look forward to this year?
Well…to 5&6&7 SLAY…they know exactly what I’m talking about.