Laura Dearman Mosteller
Senior Operations Coordinator at Capacity; Principal Dancer with Neville Dance Theatre; Freelance Dance Artist, New York City
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Dance, UNC Charlotte (2018)
Hometown: Statesville, NC
Laura Dearman Mosteller is currently in her final season with Neville Dance Theatre as she prepares for the next chapter of her artistic career, shifting her focus toward choreography and community-based storytelling. This work builds on “Them Too,” a piece she choreographed while studying at UNC Charlotte in response to the Me Too movement, which explored how personal experiences of sexual violence can be expressed through movement. Inspired by the power of that experience and the potential for dance to give voice to stories that are difficult to put into words, Laura is developing workshops that invite survivors of sexual violence to explore storytelling through movement. As she builds this initiative, she is pursuing continued education in somatic trauma-informed practices and trauma-sensitive yoga to deepen her understanding of the mind-body connection and develop a thoughtful, supportive foundation for this work. Through choreography and accessible workshops, she hopes to create spaces where survivors can share their stories, connect with others, and experience a sense of agency and liberation.
Alongside this initiative, Laura will continue developing original choreographic works that blend classical technique with contemporary expression. She is particularly interested in exploring the complexities of human experience through movement, experimenting with innovative movement systems, and creating work that bridges the gap between what we feel and what we can put into words.
Professionally, Laura has transitioned from her role at the Metropolitan Opera to the operations team at Capacity, a digital marketing company serving arts and cultural organizations. She enjoys supporting arts organizations through the skills she has cultivated as a dancer and choreographer. She especially values the opportunity to work alongside clients and colleagues whose diverse artistic backgrounds bring unique perspectives to their work, reinforcing her belief in the importance of creativity and collaboration both onstage and behind the scenes.
Laura Dearman started dancing at age four. At the time, she was battling pediatric liver cancer. Doctors were concerned about the long-term effects the chemotherapy could have on her hearing, so they suggested she find a non-verbal form of expression/communication (like dance!) “Long story short,” she says, “I didn’t end up losing all of my hearing, but I did find a passion that will last a lifetime!”
From Statesville, NC, Laura was a student in the Department of Dance from 2014-2018 and always knew she wanted to move to NYC post-graduation. “I truly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t obsessed with dance!” she explains. Many of our alums choose the NYC life after graduating, hoping to make it in the Big Apple. We chatted with Laura about her transition to NYC in 2018 and her advice for current students thinking about the move.
What brought you to NYC?
I’ve known since I was 13 that I wanted to move to NYC. I was fortunate enough to spend my summers throughout high school living here with my aunt and studying on scholarship at the Joffrey Ballet School! From then on, I was hooked. The New York dance scene captured my heart!
What are you currently working on?
Currently, I’m a principal dancer with a contemporary ballet company, Neville Dance Theatre, as well as other various other companies including Visions Contemporary Ballet and Ballet Inc. I also traveled to Orlando to perform a collaborative work with composer Angela Rice, choreographer Matthew Brookoff, and a cast of musicians and opera singers!
I also made my professional choreographic debut with the operatic production of Being Ariodante (composed and directed by Jonathan Dawe) in the Spring of 2022 at The Italian Academy in New York City. Additionally, I presented my solo choreography through the Omni Arts Foundation, and The Why Collective, among others. My choreography for The Womxn Have Something to Say (directed by Nicole Kenley-Miller) was presented at The Cell Theatre in Manhattan in 2023 and continues to be a pillar in her artistic and choreographic journey through continued public workshops offered through The Why Collective.
What were you most afraid of when you first arrived?
I didn’t want to become the dancer that gets so caught up in working their “survival job” that I missed opportunities to dance.
Describe the moment when you knew you had made the right choice, to move to the city.
When I got my first dance paycheck (though it was small!) I felt the reassurance that I could do this. I’ve found that the key to achieving any goal is to celebrate the small victories along the way!
What steps have you taken to establish a career in NYC?
Almost all dancers living in New York City have a “survival job.” After some trial-and-error, I was lucky enough to land a position working part-time on the administrative team at the Metropolitan Opera! It was great because I gained experience in arts administration and was surrounded by artists all day long! Thanks to the nature of the position, I had a great deal of flexibility with my hours, which allowed me to make it to rehearsals/auditions. Now I am working as Senior Operations Coordinator for Capacity Interactive, a NYC-based digital marketing agency specializing in the arts.
What about your education at UNC Charlotte prepared you/inspired you to go to NYC?
UNC Charlotte’s curriculum does a fantastic job of preparing you not only as dance performers, but as dance scholars. If it weren’t for my writing skills and experience as a communications consultant, I wouldn’t have been able to get the job at the Met. If I didn’t have my job at the Met, I wouldn’t be able to afford the time I have to devote to classes and rehearsals. I never imagined I would be a full-time researcher or writer, but the intelligence I’ve gained from those things makes me more informed in what I do (in and out of the studio!)
What advice do you have for others who may be considering that move?
SAVE! In my junior and senior year of college, I saved every penny I could to make sure I would be able to move when I graduated. You need to save for any move, but especially to a city like New York. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to your UNC Charlotte dance alumni! There’s now a huge network of fellow 49ers in NYC that would be thrilled to help you find your way. We remember being in your shoes! If we can do it, you can too. If you’re not sure who to contact, ask your professors to help connect us!
What was your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte’s Department of Dance?
I’ve always been struck by UNC Charlotte’s diversity. As someone who was primarily trained in ballet prior to college, I was amazed at how much I grew by exploring other dance styles. Now, as an alumnus, it’s incredible to watch my colleagues develop such interesting and unique careers.
What do you want prospective students considering the Department of Dance to know?
The sky is the limit! You can mold and use the program here at UNC Charlotte to get wherever you want to go! Don’t be so concerned with finding the “perfect” path, make it your own path.
What advice do you have for current CoA+A students?
1. Use the studio space to make a dance reel before you graduate!
2. Don’t forget to record and save your choreography,
3. Submit for the things that you don’t think you’ll get.
4. Make friends with your colleagues because the professional dance world is really so small!
Photo by Isaac Hayes