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The Lion's Den: Dance, Wellness & Empowerment

Tending to the human and the artist. Where community breeds BELONGING.

$10,600
pledged of$20,000 goal
17
0Days Left

Project Description

 

The Lion's Den was birthed out of a desire to bridge the gap in our creativity and wellness communities, elevate dance and the arts, and to amplify the voices of our fellow artists, creatives, and movement practitioners.

We’re committed to cultivating connection, collaboration, and community by providing accessible, inclusive, and decolonized brave spaces.

How do we serve our community?

We provide:

  • weekly dance and wellness classes
  • professional development for new & emerging artists
  • conscious dialogue and art socials
  • performance opportunities
  • group and 1:1 coaching/mentorship for creatives

We strive to create spaces for ALL humans to gather and grow in their artistry in a non-harmful judgmental space. Threading elements of mindfulness, movement, positive psychology, and social justice to create a holistic approach for our community members.

Our heart is that our community members leave our spaces feeling equipped to be themselves unapologetically, in all spaces. That it’s ok to be human

We believe that how you move in your body impacts how you move in the world.

We're a community hub, not a studio where you simply show up and leave, but an incubator for new, emerging, and seasoned artists to gather, grow, connect and build relationships.

We value having fun, no matter the age.

At The Lion's Den, we value mentorship and leadership. We provide Inner Work and Embodiment coaching for our members. We know that our inner healing greatly impacts our ability to show up fully in the world and through one on one support, accountability, and guidance, our members are able to move with confidence and clarity to do the things that bring them joy and purpose!

What will the funds be used for?

The funds will assist in compensating our team who have been generously & freely giving their time, energy, love, and talents to The Lion's Den. Your support would assist in paying for studio rental fees, compensating local, national and international teaching artists, and acquiring a membership-based website to deepen our impact and nurture our community members. We aspire to create online courses and resources to further support emerging artists looking to build their careers in the arts.

Our dream team consists of:

Founder & CEO // Lauren DeVera
Art Director // Phuong-Anh Nguyen
Director of Operations // Devon Wallace
Director of Teacher Relations // Vincent Nguyen
Community & Connections // Phill McLaughlin
Photographer & Videographer // Traye Gilliam

Who is The Lion's Den Founder?

Lauren DeVera (BA, RYT 200, CAPP, MSBR-T, CLC, MFT)  is a certified life coach, trauma-informed facilitator, dance educator, and choreographer dedicated to empowering others through movement, mindfulness, introspection, and self-care. She received her degree in Dance Performance and Communications from Old Dominion University and has been teaching professionally for 11 years. A distinguished thought leader and educator in the arts community with performance and teaching credits including The Kennedy Center, Howard Theatre, Dance Place DC, Culture Shock DC, World of Dance, BET, CW Network, George Washington University, Old Dominion University, NPR, and Dept. of Energy. Combining her love for people and dance, she created & founded The Lion’s Den, an inclusive community connecting through movement, wellness, and self-expression. A passionate facilitator, Lauren hosts empowering workshops & healing circles focused on connection, transformation, and purpose. She's the host of the Thrive + Thread podcast, a sacred soul space to lean into healing, self-love, personal growth, and creativity. You can find her reading, writing, and drinking coffee in her free time!

Thank you for supporting this campaign!

With your support, we get to jump-start our dream and passion to continue providing professional training, inclusive & equitable programming, and resources to uplift, nurture and amplify the voices of our growing community. You're supporting an entire family of artists, creatives, and emerging entrepreneurs.  We wouldn't be where we are without the love and support of our community!

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Do I have to be a dancer to join The Lion's Den?
    • No, but we believe everyone is a dancer at heart. Professionals and hobbyists are welcome!
  • Will you ever open up a physical space?
    • We're open to it! We'd love to have a functional space that would cater to all types of creatives (photographers, podcasters, dancers, etc)
  • Do you have beginning-level classes?
    • Not as of this moment. We're open to offering more programming but we do enjoy having all of us in the same space together (beginners and seasoned movers).
  • Do you sell merchandise?
    • Occasionally! We do hope to bring in more merchandise in the future.
  • What makes you different from a normal dance/wellness studio?
    • We place a HIGH priority on taking care of our teachers. We believe in mentorship and nurturing them so they can succeed in their careers. We also value genuine relationships - it's not a true Lion's Den experience without a sense of family and belonging.

 

 

05/16/2022
Monetary Contribution
$20
Cathy Arevalo
04/30/2022
Monetary Contribution
$100
Lilli Keinaenen
11/04/2021
Monetary Contribution
$20
Dominique Velazquez
10/29/2021
Monetary Contribution
$90
Bijan
08/30/2021
Dance or Yoga Class (Virtual)
$25
Bijan
08/09/2021
Monetary Contribution
$20
Tee
08/05/2021
Monetary Contribution
$50
Tori
07/22/2021
Dance or Yoga Class (Virtual)
$25
sarah heaton
07/20/2021
Dance or Yoga Class (Virtual)
$25
Krystal
07/20/2021
Monetary Contribution
$15
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

12 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Dance or Yoga Class (Virtual)

Want a taste of what it's like in our classes? Try out one of our weekly dance or yoga classes!

16 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
1:1 Coaching Session

Could use some guidance or support in your dreams? Goals? Receive love and transformation in a 1:1 session with founder and certified life coach, Lauren DeVera

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Children's Dance or Mindfulness Class

Enjoy an hour or two to yourself while Lauren and her team educates and entertains your children through movement and mindfulness!

4 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Alexandria, VA
Created 1 Campaign

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

12 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Dance or Yoga Class (Virtual)

Want a taste of what it's like in our classes? Try out one of our weekly dance or yoga classes!

16 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
1:1 Coaching Session

Could use some guidance or support in your dreams? Goals? Receive love and transformation in a 1:1 session with founder and certified life coach, Lauren DeVera

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Children's Dance or Mindfulness Class

Enjoy an hour or two to yourself while Lauren and her team educates and entertains your children through movement and mindfulness!

4 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward