lauren gerrie- movement director, private chef + figure model

lauren gerrie- movement director, private chef + figure model

Lauren Gerrie is a multifaceted creative who seamlessly merges the worlds of culinary and movement arts. As a movement director, figure model and private chef, she brings a unique sensory experience to her audiences. In New York City Lauren founded MOVES a dance workout class that embodies her philosophy of joy and optimism. Collaborating with diverse brands and artists, Lauren Gerrie creative is devoted to cross disciplinary artistry and immersive world-building. Join her on a journey of sensuous pleasures and follow along here.

I originally met Lauren in 2018 in Nova Scotia while we shared a room for the week at Kumi and Alex's yoga retreat. Lauren was cooking for the week while I was teaching a dye workshop. We became fast friends and laughed ourselves to sleep pretty much every night. I always say some of life's greatest joys is watching Lauren dance and enjoying her food. She is the definition of embodiment. I was so excited to have her on our journal and hangout with her for the afternoon in her soho loft. 

Follow along with Lauren here

Photography by Chris Bernabeo 

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  • Lauren at home in her fume leisure set

  • Lauren in the nosara slip dress with a Lindsey Adelman light

Where is home? 

NEW YORK CITY has been my home base for over twenty years, but my heart has a traveling home all over the world.

What is your morning ritual these days? 

My morning ritual is not so ritualistic to be perfectly honest. I am a coffee drinker though so it most certainly ALWAYS includes that; either at home with Hazelnut Milk & maple syrup or at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop Cafe Integral. Some mornings I am able to luxuriate and take my dog Rita on a long walk. But other days I am at the Farmers Market in Union Square early to provision for gigs or teaching MORNING MOVES at Sky Ting or prepping for a future dinner or event. Regardless of my schedule, I do like to set time aside to creative write and journal to clear my head and get thoughts and ideas out on paper.

You’re a true renaissance woman can you tell us a little about your various practices? 

Well I certainly am a woman who has trouble sitting still and being idle. I love working with my body to express my creativity; so whether it is through dance, figure modeling, drawing, painting, writing, or cooking I AM CONSTANTLY in motion. I am the cofounder of MOVES, an all levels dance class, that I began with one of my oldest friends and longest dance partners Marisa Competello. I also teach MORNING MOVES at Sky Ting which is an adapted version of our class that focuses more on breathing, stretching, flow, and cardio without the element of learned choreography. In addition to teaching, I take as many dance classes or movement classes that I can squeeze into a week. In recent years, I have expanded my dancing career to include Movement Direction for photo and video shoots as well as working on personal dance projects and collaborations. I figure model at Happy Medium, an incredible artists cafe and educational space in Lower Manhattan & Greenpoint. I am a chef and creative culinary consultant for individuals and brands which enables me to travel all over the world and be exposed to incredible ingredients and cultures. I feel very fortunate to be a multi hyphenated artist especially now when it is more accepted to be a well rounded human and not someone who only has to focus on being good at one thing. Lastly, I am a JOY seeker on a never ending journey to generate and spread PURE JOY.


Any tips on traveling seamlessly the way you seem to do? 

In my opinion, traveling is how we become the best versions of ourselves. It teaches you to organize, research, plan... but most importantly to throw that all to the wind and trust the universe. I love surrendering to fate, letting go of control, and truly accepting that whatever is going to happen I can handle it. Not only that, but the surprises in store are what will impact my soul and shape who I will become. On a less woo woo note, I think seamless travel comes with not bringing so much shit from home. I have a uniform and my essentials for living and feeling good. I don't think we NEED so much when we travel so I always recommend bringing less and seeing how absolutely freeing that can be!

Can you walk us through your journey as a dancer and chef? When did you realize this was your path? 

I think I danced right out of the womb, there has never been a moment in my life where I can't recall feeling like a dancer and moving to my own drum. I was fortunate enough to have parents who supported me in my passion and encouraged me to follow my dreams as an artist. After attending the Orange County Performing Arts High School I moved to New York to pursue my professional dance career while attending art school. I began working in bars and restaurants to make money and found another family within the hospitality industry. The parallel worlds of dance and culinary arts just made sense to me. The idea that I could hone these crafts my entire life and still learn something new each and every day was and is so exciting for me. The opportunity to meet new people and understand different cultures through their music, traditions, agriculture and environment felt like a road map to the life I see for myself in my own imaginations. The dance of the kitchen is like the dance of life; one must be attune to all their senses in order to thrive and adapt.

How do you balance your time between inspiration, your practice and the business side of your practice? 

Oh balance, the ever present looming obstacle!!!! I don't know if I have the answer for this because I never truly feel like I am doing a great job at balance. That being said, I listen to my body, heart, and soul very very carefully. Though I haven't always been great at work and life on a tipping scale, I do think I am at a point where I am rooted in the truest exploration of my quality of life. If something or someone doesn't make me feel good then I don't allow it or them to take up space in my existence. I love love, so I let that be my compass.

Are there particular themes or messages you strive to express through your work? 

JOY. SENSUALITY. COMMUNITY. BEING WEIRD!

What role does collaboration play in your creative process? Have you collaborated with other artists/brands? 

Collaboration is at the center of everything I do. I am  blessed to know so many magical human beings who impact all of my creative processes. Individuals and collectives alike, it is the back and forth or desire and need that are the impetus for all my life pivots.

How do you stay motivated and inspired when the creative process gets challenging? 

I ask for help! I look to others to inspire and motivate me when I cannot be my own motor. As an only child I observed at a very young age that one person is never as strong as many. Though I have a driving force within me, it is through all of my unique communities that I find support and guidance to move onward and upward.

Can you share a memorable experience or milestone in your  career? 

Guurrrllll, I have so many!!!! Perhaps not a milestone, but a moment on a peak where I was able to look out and see what was clearly in front of me... last April I was invited to be apart of a very special project with APPARATUS STUDIOS called "SUBJECTS: BIOGRAPHIES IN LIGHT." Not only has Apparatus been a long time culinary client of mine, but founder Gabriel Hendifar is one of my closest friends and soulmates. I was able to create a dance video in collaboration with MOVES dancers and friends, participate in an epic photoshoot with longtime friend and collaborator Mattew Placek, and discuss my ethos around life, love, food, movement, and GRATITUDE! To make art with the people you love most in this world who raise you up and help to achieve your goals is a fucking gift and I was moved to tears with the magnitude of arriving at this place in this time with these people.

What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to find their style or voice? 

Lead with your heart and listen to your imagination.

Who are some artists or creators that influence your work? How do they inspire you? 

Each and every one of my friends are inspiring and influential in how I experience this world. Outside of my inner circle, one of my biggest idols is ES DEVLIN, she is a force and beyond iconic. Her projects are so diverse and yet she continues to be at the forefront of visionary work. I am not sure if I will ever attain her heights of greatness, but I love watching her do her thing.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist for you? Embracing my individuality and uniqueness. The idea of being the same is so boring!

How has your work evolved over the years, and where do you see it going in the future?

Evolution is inevitable, that's the beauty of aging. The future is a mystery and I am here for whatever she has in store for me!!! I'll be laughing, dancing, singing my way to the end...


Can you describe your ideal creative environment? What elements are essential for you? 

I have always lived near the water, she is my source.

Is there a dream project or collaboration you hope to pursue one day? 

I always have dream projects I am working on and they each feel special to me. I hope to continue on a creative curious adventure forever.

What is your favorite item from Upstate and why? My favorite item from Upstate is Kalen. She is my soulsister and just being around her makes me a better person.

But I also love my collection of ashtrays because I am a stoner and I can never have too many vessels :)

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