Fundamentals

Lanz (Hyperlaz)

As a performer, choreographer and educator, I travel throughout the United States and abroad where I've gotten an even deeper grasp for the art of dance, the foundational ingredients of performing and visual arts that I bring to my projects and classes along with high energy, artistic integrity, various styles and strong techniques. My leadership and administrative experience has allowed me to help build and direct programs, organize curriculum and production activities, mentor faculty and students, and create opportunities for students to grow both artistically and professionally.

As an educator I believe that each student is a unique individual with his/her own talents. It is my role and goal as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by providing a healthy and productive learning environment, support risk-taking, invite creativity and a sharing of ideas. A role that develops a curriculum around student interests, needs and talents, believes in them as talented and capable individuals and I look for organizations that share those roles and goals.

I hope to spark passion, help students gain self-worth, cultivate depth of character and develop professional artist. It is important to meet the needs of students who are interested in performing and visual arts to give them the opportunity to acquire the proper instruction and professional training. Training the interested as well as the motivated and gifted student, balance physical, nutritional and emotional well-being is too my role and goal.

As a performer and choreographer I believe performance is a powerful form of communication that transcends words, connecting people through movement, music, emotion and shared human experience. My artistic approach is grounded in technical experience, expressive authenticity and continual growth. Drawing from ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, street/hip-hop, musical theatre dance and world dance traditions, I strive to honor each style while embracing innovation and contemporary artistic voices.

I view versatility and diversity not simply as an advantage but as an essential quality of today's performing artist. Performance also carries a responsibility beyond the stage. It has the ability to educate, preserve cultural traditions, strengthen communities and inspire future generations of artists. Whether performing in a theater, classroom, community setting or professional production, I approach every opportunity with professionalism, discipline, collaboration and respect for the creative process.

I have a passion and love for dance and the arts in their many formats, a passion for teaching, instilling, inspiring, nourishing ones' talents and with those passions I hope to contribute to the rich landscape of communication, education, organization, personality and social harmonious diversity through dance, music, theatre and art.
Please continue to create and educate! ©

Those Who Saw My Potential.

Although there were a few through the years, there's three guardian angels in particular, who profoundly believed in me professionally early in my young artistic journey, that helped shape me. One moment that has always stayed with me happened during my college work-study, when I worked in the Provost’s Office. The woman who ran the office (Anita Bonnell), out of nowhere suddenly called out, “Steve! (school's photographer who also worked out of that office) Get your camera and take some pictures of Lanz, he’s going to be somebody.” She had no idea how deeply those words would stay with me.

For a young artist still finding his way, having someone you respect unexpectedly recognize something in you can be powerful. Her words gave me hope, confidence and perhaps most importantly, a reason to believe in myself and in what I could become. Sometimes, all it takes is just that one someone to see the potential in you before you can fully see it in yourself. That moment became one of those gifts I carried forward. To those three guardian angels, Mamie Nell Watson, Anita Bonnell and Cristyne Lawson, dearhearts please know I'm eternally grateful.