Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Caleb.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
This is how it all started. I began training in ballet and jazz at 5 and 6 years old, but stopped after changing schools. Even then, my love for performing never left. I sing, dance, and act, and throughout the years I continued pursuing the arts through theatre, piano lessons, and cheerleading.
Later, I received more formal dance training at iRule Dance Studio under the guidance of Charlee Rule, Xavier Richmond, and Antonio Joubert. They truly changed the trajectory of my dance career by providing not only elite training, but also guidance, encouragement, and genuine love throughout my journey. Their mentorship helped shape me into the dancer, coach, and leader I am today.
During my time at West Brook High School, I served as Step Team Captain for two years. In college, I danced for the SETX Mavericks, which helped push me further into the professional dance world. After college, I began auditioning for the Houston Texans and Houston Rockets dance teams. I was a Houston Texans finalist in both 2019 and 2021, and I was selected as a member of the Houston Rockets Clutch City Dancers for the 2021–2022 season.
Despite hearing “not right now” many times (7 years of auditioning) throughout my audition journey, I continued pouring into my Beaumont community. I served as Director and Choreographer for the South Park Middle School Diamond Dancers from 2011–2013, then later became Director and Choreographer for the Ozen High School Dazzling Dolls from 2013–2019 and the Beaumont United High School Golden Girls from 2019–2021.
After my season with the Rockets concluded, I opened Fitness and Finesse in Beaumont, Texas. I am now a personal trainer, heels instructor, and the Head Director/Coach of Finesse Dance Crew. I’m also blessed to work alongside two of my former dancers and captains who have become lifelong friends. Crystal Foster, a former Dazzling Doll, serves as the Head Coach of the Minis, while Adaja Copes, former Golden Girl Captain (2019–2020), assists with the Senior-level squad.
Although we have only been competing for two years, our passion, dedication, and growth continue to push us forward, and this is only the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey has not been smooth at all, but one thing I have always held onto is “mustard seed faith.” Sometimes I truly believe the bad needed to happen so I could become even more grateful for the good.
I auditioned for professional teams for seven straight years. So many times I got close, only to hear “no” or not be selected. But those experiences developed my character, strengthened my perseverance, and taught me resilience. Those are the same lessons I now try to instill into every person whose life I encounter.
If it had not been for Christ, I honestly would have given up a long time ago. Even now, I still find myself in awe of how far God has brought me.
The very first time Finesse Dance Crew competed, we looked a mess. But to now see the growth of the team, the confidence in the dancers, and the way they believe in themselves reminds me that this is bigger than dance. It lets me know that I am walking in my purpose and doing God’s work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in dance instruction, choreography, performance training, and confidence building. Throughout the Southeast Texas area, I host summer dance camps for multiple schools and also provide audition choreography and preparation for dance teams and performers. My passion has always been bigger than simply teaching routines — I strive to help dancers become confident, disciplined, and resilient both on and off the floor.
One of my proudest accomplishments was dancing professionally with the Houston Rockets Clutch City Dancers during the 2021–2022 season. Another major milestone for me has been building and growing Finesse Dance Crew from the ground up. Watching the dancers grow in confidence, performance quality, and self-belief has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Outside of dance, I have also been an educator in Beaumont ISD for 15 years. Education and mentorship have always been at the center of who I am, but I am excited for the opportunity to fully invest into Fitness and Finesse and continue expanding its impact throughout the community.
I believe what truly sets me apart is the way I pour into people through tough love, honesty, and accountability. I am not a coach who coddles because I understand that the world can be challenging, and developing tough skin is necessary. That does not mean I am heartless or insensitive — it means I believe in hard coaching, real expectations, discipline, and building confidence in every area of life, not just dance. I want every dancer and person I encounter to leave stronger mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically than when they first met me.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the dance and fitness industry is continuing to evolve into something much bigger than performance alone. Over the next 5–10 years, I think there will be an even greater focus on versatility, branding, performance quality, conditioning, and mental confidence. Dancers are no longer expected to simply “dance” — they are expected to perform, create content, adapt quickly, train athletically, and carry themselves professionally both on and off the stage.
One thing I stand firmly on is the scripture, “Without vision, the people will perish.” I do not plan on perishing, and I definitely have a vision. My goal is to eventually be fully invested in my studio and continue building Fitness and Finesse into something impactful and lasting. I want a larger studio space where we can effectively train dancers at a higher level and provide more opportunities for growth and development.
I also want Finesse Dance Crew to grow exponentially and become recognized for both performance excellence and strong mentorship. I see myself teaching more, continuing to choreograph, expanding camps and training opportunities, and even stepping back into the performance world through background dancing opportunities. Most importantly, I never want to stop learning. I want to continue training, growing, and evolving so I can give my dancers and clients the very best version of myself.
Pricing:
- Personal training- $120 for 12 sessions a month
- FDC- $80 monthly tuition
- Sensual HEELing-$15
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @finessedc23 @lo_s0409
