Lauri Fitz-Pegado

Advocate, Advisor, and Author
Voice for Empowerment and Inclusion in the Arts and International Affairs
Author of "Dancing in the Dash: My Story of Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Resilience"

My Memoir Available to Order on...

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Eclipse by Tina Allen

A tall bronze sculpture of a dancer
perched atop a large ball serves as a constant reminder of graceful power, and of the strength, delicate precision, and tenuousness of balance in life and in dance.

Below are reviews of the book:

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Powerful and Inspirational

Lauri soars in the face of many obstacles. Her journey is one that is both inspirational and enlightening. Her willingness to open her life to the reader makes her story very real and powerful. The discipline she gained from ballet was invaluable and ever present on her journey.

Covette Rooney

That rare find, a marvelous memoir by a Washington Native!

I loved this Washington memoir. Why? Because it is not written by a politician or celebrity witness or media star. It is by a true, rare Washington native who walked (and danced!) in a head-spinning range of worlds, Lauri Fitz-Pegado.

Charles Francis

Read This for Insight and Affirmation

Lauri Fitz-Pegado’s memoir chronicles the challenges and triumphs of a woman who garners resiliency, in large part, from the discipline of ballet and the strength of relationships.

Poignant anecdotes from Lauri’s interaction with former Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and other known political actors are combined with episodes from her personal and professional life. What results is a story rich in thoughtful reflection to which we can all relate.

Poignant anecdotes from Lauri’s interaction with former Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and other known political actors are combined with episodes from her personal and professional life. What results is a story rich in thoughtful reflection to which we can all relate.

Anuk

This memoir is a great read.

Dancing in the Dash will inspire others to follow their dreams, recognize and seize opportunities, strive for balance, and realize that family, friends and faith can be foundational, and gifts that keep on giving. A well-written and compelling story!

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In the dash

Supporting the Arts for Inclusion and Social Change

In the Dash applies her vast experience and network in cultural and commercial diplomacy, international policy, and business, to advise and promote visual and performing artists and institutions. Beyond The Ball provides counsel to athletes repositioning their skills from sports to alternatives careers.

Our Activities

Promoting Dutch Artist and Designer Jeroen Koolhaas in the US

Advisor to Washington, D.C. urban dance schools

Consultant to Canada's National Ballet School (NBS)

  • Co-host with NBS and DIW of Symposium, "Addressing Racialization in Ballet"

Ballet Instructor:

  • Jones-Haywood Dance School
  • Dance Institute of Washington
  • Duke Ellington School of the Arts (Summer Dance Intensive 2021)

Co-Founder, The Collective, a collaboration comprised of ballet instructors, and managers of dance institutions of color dedicated to training, growth, and development for children of color (COC)

Explore opportunities to incorporate dimensions of Beyond the Ball in programs with sports associations, foundations and academic institutions.