Now, Lauren can add actress to her resume.
Playing the lead female role in India’s first 3-D dance film, Anybody Can Dance, Lauren is showing the world she just may have “triple threat” ability.
While these days, no one can get her out of the dance studio, that wasn’t always the case.
“I hated it,” she recalls the time her mother signed her up for jazz and tap at seven years old.
“At my very first recital my mom had to literally walk me on stage to make sure I went through with the performance,” she says. “But on that stage, something happened. The lights, the crowd, the movement. It was at the moment I fell in love with dance and performing. I haven’t looked back since.”
Instead Lauren is looking forward and is on the brink of her first big screen debut in Anybody Can Dance.
The UTV Motion Pictures film received a strong response bringing in Rs 19.5 crore (which equals about $364,000 in US dollars) its opening weekend.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of this film! It tells the story of a man, Vishnu (played by Indian choreographer and dancer Prabhudheva), who is kicked out of his own dance academy by his shady business partner, Jehangir,” she explains. 
“Just before giving up on his dance dream and leaving town, he comes across a group of vibrant dancers and is inspired to transform them into India’s best dance crew and compete in Dance Dil Se (Dance from the Heart).”
Without giving too much away, Lauren’s character, Rhea, plays a dancer for Jehangir’s dance studio, until he goes too far and she lands with Vishnu’s team.
While Lauren is a pro dancer in the United States, she says being a part of India’s Anybody Can Dance was a thrilling challenge.
“I had to learn Hindu, and I had to do it fast,” says Lauren on preparing for her role. “I loved learning and experiencing India’s heritage and dance culture. Especially working with Prabhudeva. He’s like the Michael Jackson of India!”
After Anybody Can Dance, it’s safe to say she is an international performer. She’s worked with icons like Britney Spears and Shakira. But there’s one person she wants to cross off of her “bucket list.”
“Beyonce! She’s awesome. Her singing, dancing and now the Presidential Inauguration and halftime at the Super Bowl. She really knows how to put on a show! I’d love to work with her,” says Lauren, who has also appeared on Glee and Bring It On: Fight To the Finish.
She says if she could add anything to finesse her dancing and acting skill, it would be singing.
“If I could sing I would be set! I love to sing for fun but can’t carry a tune to save my life.”
Lauren has come a long way from her first recital. Although she says she has not yet “arrived,” she offers advice for girls who are looking to break into the dance industry.
“Don’t lose yourself. I have met girls who start young with their new and exciting dream to dance. Somehow down the road they get caught up in everything and lose sight of what they set out to accomplish,” she reveals. “Remember who you are and continue towards your goal. You can do it!”
Find out more about Lauren by following her on Twitter at @LaurenGottlieb and check out her website www.lauren-gottlieb.com.
