Dancing in the Dash: My Story of Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Resilience

Dancing in the Dash tells the inspiring and compelling story of a woman whose experiences have taken her around the world. Lauri Fitz-Pegado has had a remarkable life performing in the arts, embracing activism and advocacy, and working in the world of policy, politics, and diplomacy. She became a career diplomat, a presidential appointee in the Clinton Administration at the Department of Commerce under Secretary Ron Brown, and she met with renowned world leaders. Ballet provided ballast and grace throughout the rigors of her life and career, beginning with her training at the prestigious Jones-Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C.


In Dancing in the Dash, the author explores her life’s journey, and how her training in dance helped establish the skills—balance, endurance, perseverance—that informed her approach to the challenges that she faced, both professionally and personally, as an African American woman. This memoir is particularly relevant today, during our national conversation reassessing our assumptions, our past, as well as our path forward. In telling her story, the author reveals her insights and observations about history and its consequences, about opportunity and obstacles, and about loss and redemption.

Dancing in the Dash: My story of Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Resilience

By Lauri Fitz-Pegado

Published by Bold Story Press in 2021

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Book Reviews

  • 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.

    Anuck

  • 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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Blurbs

  • Jean Robert Estimé, former foreign minister of Haiti

    "A book full of life and memories, written with spontaneity and elegance, which casts an exciting light on the world of US politics and foreign affairs over the past thirty years. Lauri remains a model for minority women who are determined to achieve their dreams, despite all kinds of gender and race prejudices. She is talented, serious, and committed. And more than that, she is a great friend."

  • Ambassador Susan E. Rice, former U.S. national security advisor

    "With special resonance for this moment in our country's history, Lauri, a friend of many years, shares a creative and compelling portrait of a Black woman making her mark, while handling her personal and professional lives with grace. Her story is a compelling testament to the transcendence of resolve, perseverance and resilience across generations of an American family."