Meet Laura Pierpont | Performer, choreographer and creator of ‘Cut Dancers of NY’

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Pierpont and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, how do you think about risk?

Risk is a vital part of life, it moves you forward. Sometimes it can feel as though you are going backwards and that’s scary. But I’ve learned, even if you take a couple steps back, the insight you gain from these steps is worth it. The coolest things that have happened to me in my life have come from taking risks. And as a performer, risk is pretty much an everyday occurrence. People don’t recognize it, but every single time we walk into an audition room, submit a self tape, release personal work, network with someone new, step out on that stage, or even stand up for ourselves in a rehearsal room if something doesn’t feel right, we are taking a risk.

Making Cut Dancers of NY was definitely a risk. I’m still taking risks with it, as I’m in the process of transitioning it into a full fledged business. I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of my time and finances in hopes that people will enjoy my choreography and vision for these videos. I have even been nervous asking my friends to be a part of them, hoping that they trusted me and my choreography enough to take time out of their busy lives to film these dances. If I’d never put myself out there, I wouldn’t have had to worry about the rejection and negative feedback. But, more importantly, I would’ve robbed myself of the possibility of people being so onboard with my ideas and loving my work! I would have robbed myself of the joy of this whole process.

I truly believe we are put on this Earth to do some pretty awesome things, and taking risks has definitely opened my eyes to all the amazing possibilities of this life. Don’t let this world miss out on all you have to offer. I promise that it is special and necessary.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’ve been dancing since I was 2 years old, but my parents would argue I have been dancing since I was in the womb. It was really no surprise to anyone that I pursued theater as a career. Eventually, all this led to me graduating with my BFA in Musical Theatre from Coastal Carolina University and then heading off to NYC! Since then, I’ve worked in regional theaters, theme parks, and many cabaret shows. However, my favorite job (so far) has been the US/International Tour of A Chorus Line. It was a dream to learn this show with full original choreography and staging. The director was the one and only, original cast member and Broadway Queen, Baayork Lee. I was also able to tour with A Chorus Line multiple times in Asia, twice in Japan and then was a part of the original cast in the Shanghai, China premiere. I still have to wrap my head around that lifelong dream coming true.

Even though I have pursued being on the stage my whole life, my heart has recently been leading me more and more towards being a creator on the other side of the table. I also have the mind of a choreographer and director, which is definitely a gift from my Mom! She was a director, musical director, performer and truly a musical prodigy. That was the beginning thought for starting Cut Dancers of NY; that desire for wanting to create. I constantly have music videos, stories, and dances playing in my head. I finally decided to make them real, but in a way that also helps other artists. What we do as performers is hard. So hard. And there are so many people that will constantly try to tear you down, so I wanted to create something that lifts people up instead! We need to celebrate all artists throughout their journeys, their highs and lows, when they are working and when they are not. It is all worthy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

In NYC that can pretty much be anything you can think of! But definitely enter as many lotteries as possible to see some Broadway shows. If it’s good weather, have a fun Central Park picnic with friends, games and drinks. You can also go check out The High Line and all the shops that pop up around there. Then walk through Greenwich Village and stumble across some great food. You are going to find the best pizza at the cute, little whole-in-the-wall, been there forever, Italian restaurants. If you are feeling fancy, try drinks at the top of the Empire Hotel. It can be a little pricey, but the drinks and food are really good and you can live a little Gossip Girl fantasy moment!  
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I would absolutely not be where I am today without my parents. They were and are the most supportive parents I could have wished for. They made sure that I had every available resource to learn all about theatre and dance. They even built a dance studio in our basement for me! They are incredible. Not to mention my Dad is a magician, so I got the performance bug from him as well! Also, shoutout to one of my best friends, Adam Sarette, who helped me get Cut Dancers of NY off the ground! And to all my amazing friends who have been in my videos, shared my videos, came to one of my classes, or just believed in me in any way.

Website: https://www.laurapierpont.com

Instagram: @laurapierpont92 , @cutdancersofny

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgToZByETiHff50aqhNGqEA

Image Credits
Headshot (teal top) – Justin Schuman Photography. Leather jacket and black leotard picture – Theik Smith Photography.