After being cast in Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker at age 11, where she performed with the professional company each night, Dre Lakin began simultaneously juggling her first professional contract with the Atlanta Workshop Players, performing original musicals at schools statewide.

 

Primarily focused on a ballet career, but wanting to continue training & performing in all styles, including voice & acting, she continued competing & winning titles nationally on the competition/convention circuit.

 

Although Dre was accepted into the Joffrey School at 15, an opportunity later that year - to dance in the Opening & Closing Ceremonies at the Centennial Olympic Games, choreographed by Kenny Ortega - opened the door & her eyes to a future outside of the ballet world.  

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Just shy of her 18th birthday Dre Lakin was invited to audition for Cirque du Soleil where, after a grueling 2 day audition process, she was wait listed for hire. 

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A few months later & right before graduating from an independent study High School program, Dre Lakin booked her first of 7 contracts with The Radio City Rockettes. 

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Her credits include CATS National Tour, Good Morning America, MTV Breakthrough, The Elan Awards, PBS, Thanksgiving Day Parade, “Guiding Light”, Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns”, “Stomp The Yard 2” and commercials for Avis, Nike, and The Cartoon Network. She’s worked on shows at Paper Mill Playhouse, South Bay CLO, & The Court Theater in L.A. Dre also danced as a soloist in concert to the music of Irish singer/songwriter, Enya.

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Dre spent much time assisting teachers & choreographers in L.A. & NY, as well as on the convention circuit, during the off-seasons of Radio City. After relocating to Atlanta, Dre began traveling to guest teach & set award-winning choreography for dance studios all over. 

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Previously on faculty at Dance 101, Gotta Dance Atlanta, Rhythm Dance Center, & Kennesaw State University, Dre is in process of developing a curriculum for INJURY PREVENTION FOR CONVENTION DANCERS. Areas of study include The Psychology Of An Injury, Pain Relief Through Meditation, Personality Type & How It Affects Your Training, Training Through Growth Spurts, Cross Training For Dancers, Attitude & How It Affects Your Recovery and Preventing Emotional Injury In The Young Dancer.

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Dre Lakin approaches each class as a new opportunity to connect with dancers of all ages. With impeccable technical training and huge passion, Dre inspires her students to be the best they can be with honesty and integrity.

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Dre is currently on faculty with Xcel Studios at Xcel Talent Agency and travels the U.S. with Industry Xperience Dance Convention.

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Recording Artists, such as Jonathan Traylor, Finneas, Calum Scott, and Danny Gokey have shared Dre’s choreography on their own social media platforms, leading to her first viral video on IGTV, “What They’ll Say About Us”. Dre’s choreography can also be seen in a commercial for OLAY, featuring Jennifer Hudson. Dre has created works for live shows including ADMIX Project's CATALYST, and her work is featured in the ADMIX Project film, "Letters From An Artist". Most recently, Dre wrapped choreographing a short film created & produced by Adam Lendermon with music by Jami Lula. 

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Keep up with all of Dre Lakin’s current choreography on social media through Instagram, YouTube & Tiktok @drelakin