Laila Howard
Laila Howard (Production Rehearsal Director/ Artistic Liaison)
Ms. Howard is the Production Rehearsal Director and Artistic Liason of Ballethnic Dance Company. She also serves as the Ballethnic Youth Ensemble manager and instructor of Ballet, Jazz, and Pointe at Ballethnic Academy of Dance. As a former company member and progeny of Ballethnic, her current work with the company is fueled by her long history and allegiance with the directors and the organization.
Ms. Howard is a Magna Kum Laude graduate of Spelman College where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Throughout college, she trained with notable industry professionals including, Gary Abbot (Deeply Rooted), Christopher Huggins (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), and Jasmine Guy. Upon graduating, Laila joined Ballethnic Dance Company and TLang Dance Company. Ms. Howard danced full-time with Ballethnic for nearly 7 years, and had the honor of not only performing principal roles, but also training the students. Her work with the pre-professional trainees blossomed into mentorship and inspired her to author, The Fairy Tale Within, a practical self-empowerment guide to overcome mental barriers and negative thought patterns.
In addition to dance, Laila teaches yoga, meditation, and guided breathwork locally and online for private clientele, corporations, and special events. As a mover and a healer, she is fueled to serve others, offering healing and self-empowerment through dance, yoga, and creative movement classes.