Laureen is originally from San Jose, CA. In 1989, Laureen was encouraged by her older sister to go to a local country bar, the Saddle Rack, and learn how to do the Country Two Step. She enjoyed dancing so much that she found herself there 5 nights a week! Later, she was given a crash course lesson in West Coast Swing that grew her love for dance. Laureen continued dancing, and joined a local dance team where she met Robert Royston, who went on to be her dance partner for numerous years. In 1999, after years of competing and winning titles in both the country and swing circuits, she left California for an amazing opportunity to become a Principal Dancer in the Broadway musical called ‘Swing!’ After this experience, she went into the West Coast Swing circuit to compete in the showcase division. Her list of achievements is long, and you can see the titles & awards she’s won listed below.

Laureen loves helping new students find the joy of dancing! One of the best parts of teaching to her is getting to see her students grow as dancers, knowing she was able to help them achieve their goals.

Currently, Laureen travels the West Coast Swing circuit to judge events, teach workshops and private lessons. You can also sometimes find her at local Country events. 2026 marks her 5th year of living in Austin, Texas!

Awards:

UCWDC World’s Masters Division Champion 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

The Open (U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships): Classic 1995, Superstar 1996 & 1997, Showtime Invitational 1998, Teams 1993, 1994, 1996, Showcase 2003

The California Swing Dance Hall of Fame: Nova Star 1998, Rising Star 2002, Shining Star 2016, Couples Honors 2018 (with Robert Royston)

World Swing Dance Council Hall of Fame 2014

UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council): Legends of Country Dance 2015, Hall of Fame 2016

Crowned Queen of the New Orleans Country Dance Mardi Gras 1998

Winner of 1997 TNN Country Dance Invitational

Feather Award: Best Classic Swing Dance Couple, Top Country Dance Showcase Couplex