Dance PlayHouse

06/15/2026

We are so excited to kick off classes in the Muskegon area with our Motion Makers Choreography Camp for kids ages 8-11 at The Playhouse at White Lake !

SUBMITTED WHITEHALL — Dance PlayHouse, West Michigan’s newest pro

06/14/2026

SUMMER WORKSHOP | August 1

Join us for a dynamic workshop featuring a variety of classes designed for participants to refine their technique, expand movement vocabulary, and explore authentic expression. Ideal for intermediate to advanced movers ages 14+ ready to push boundaries, take risks, and deepen their contemporary practice in an inspiring, high-level setting.

SCHEDULE

9:00-10:00am | PILATES FOR DANCERS with Jovita Weibel from Muskegon Community College

10:00-11:15am | HORTON TECHNIQUE with Lachan Niedbala from Movement Reservoir Dance Company

11:15-12:30pm | CONTEMPORARY & DPH REPERTOIRE with Lauren Sawson from Dance PlayHouse

12:30-1:00pm | LUNCH *not provided

1:00-2:00pm | HIP HOP with Alex Swanger from Essence Movement Collective

2:00-3:00pm | HEELS with Brenna Brookelyn from Enigmatic Performance Society

3:00-4:00pm | TAP with Morgan Madden from Dance PlayHouse

Questions? Reach out at [email protected]

06/01/2026

We are privileged to announce our new Artistic Director, Lauren Sawson!

Lauren is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who has been rooted in movement throughout her entire life. Entering her second season with Dance PlayHouse, Lauren is thrilled to amplify her involvement as the company’s Artistic Director. Her professional journey is anchored by a BFA in Dance from Wayne State University. Following her degree, she moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she performed and choreographed for SMAG Dance Collective, sharpening her distinct voice as a creator. Her formative training in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap has since expanded into a rich, versatile vocabulary including contemporary, West African, hip hop, and improvisation. Throughout her career, Lauren has had the honor of training with artists and educators from companies like Paul Taylor, Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo, Complexions, The Joffrey Ballet, The Lion King and Movin' Out.

With nearly 20 years of teaching experience throughout the Midwest and along the Lakeshore, Lauren is dedicated to offering enriching movement education for all ages. Her passion for early childhood development is reflected in her training with the Discover Dance program, while her certification in Acrobatic Arts allows her to integrate athletic floor-work into her technical classes. Lauren is looking forward to taking on Dance PlayHouse's roster of class offerings, continuing to provide high-level instruction for youth and adult programs alike. She will be leading vital community outreach initiatives at facilities such as Four Pointes Center for Successful Aging and The Playhouse at White Lake.

Beyond the studio, she serves as the Co-Founder of HomeBody Retreats, a community-focused initiative dedicated to accessibility and collective care.
Lauren’s approach to dance is further supported by a comprehensive background in holistic wellness. She is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and trained in the STOTT Pilates comprehensive mat program, as well as a Level II Usui Reiki Practitioner.

Join us in congratulating Lauren on this well-deserved promotion! 🎉

05/24/2026

Season 2 recap ⏪️ 💜

Slide 1: "Peer Walk", film directed by
Slide 2: "moths are afraid of the dark" at
Slide 3: "RUN BABY RUN" at Annual Concert
Slide 4: "House of Cards" at Holland Arts Festival
Slide 5: Site-responsive improv performance at
Slide 6: "Making the Bed, Starting the Fire" at .dance.festival
Slide 7: "Witches Duel" ChoreoLab Youth Performance Group at Dance PlayHouse's Annual Gala Concert
Slide 8: "House of Cards" at Centennial Dance Performance

05/17/2026

SUPPORTER SUNDAY 🤍

We are incredibly grateful for our generous supporters who make our work possible.

Thank you Grand Haven for sponsoring Dance PlayHouse!

05/10/2026

Wishing the moms of Dance PlayHouse a very special Mother's Day 💐

These dancers are proof that the show doesn't stop after having kids. Motherhood has only deepened their practices and added purpose to their craft.

Thank you and every mom for all you do ❤️

05/07/2026

Thank you for having Dance PlayHouse's teach floorwork at your May intensive!

05/04/2026

"Making the Bed, Starting the Fire" choreographed by

Lighting design by
📸 .imagemaker

05/03/2026

"House of Cards" choreographed by

Original composition by
Lighting design by
📸 .imagemaker