Talent Contest for Kids!

THERESA LAVINGTON, Founder and Director of the "Strut Ya Stuff" Talent Contest for Kids, NYC based choreographer, dance teacher, performer, and dance presenter with over 25 years of experience. 

 

In her earlier years, Theresa studied jazz, tap, and hip hop funk with well renowned Frank Hatchett, and Maurice Hines at the "Hines & Hatchett" Dance School (currently known as Broadway Dance Center).  During her training, she performed at many showcases throughout New York City which led to her being invited to audition for Star Search.  Additionally, she has performed in various plays as a dancer, and singer with the late playwright and director Titus Walker from the Ujamma  BlackTheater.                               

 

As a student, she was intrigued by a dance performance seen at the Tribeca Theater located at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC).  She then auditioned, and was chosen as a dancer for the BMCC's performance team.  After one year, her talent, and leadership earned her the position as a choreographer for the performance team.  While performing with the team, she also began to create choreography, as well as perform for upcoming, and Freestyle artists.

 

Because of Theresa's love for teaching dance, she became an AFAA certified fitness instructor.  She taught cardio dance classes, dance choreography, step, and total body conditioning classes for Bally Total Fitness, Crunch, New York Sports Club, Equinox, New York Health & Racquet, Fordham University, and other elite gyms in the New York City area.  As part of the New York Sports Club, Bally's, and Crunch PR team, Theresa Lavington has also appeared, and participated in demos for upcoming fitness and dance classes on Telemundo, WB11 News, CBS Morning News, and Fox 5 Good Day New York.  

 

In addition to becoming a certified instructor, she was also a performer of the Bally Total Fitness Performance Team.  During her time on the team, she became the Artistic Director, and Head choreographer for two years.  Under her direction, the team performed at numerous venues throughout the Tri-State area including an event that was held by talk show host Wendy Williams.

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Over the years, Lavington's choreography has garnered a lot of attention in the professional realm.  She has choreographed and worked with singer/songwriter Eric Redd, R & B sensation Von Sway (winners of BET's 106 & Park's Wild Out Wednesdays), Pop singer La Sara, Anastasia Koss, and Reggae/Hip Hop artist, Rayvon.  She has also choreographed, and performed at public events such as the Revlon Run/Walk, Making Strides against Breast Cancer, and a Fashion Week events for Capezios. 

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Ultimately, because of her love of performing as a young artist, in 2009, Lavington created The "Strut Ya Stuff" Talent Contest for Kids.  As the Founder and Director, her goal is to provide an outlet for young people to perform, express themselves, and maximize their artistic potential.  Lavington truly believes that by setting goals, and giving our youth a chance to perform publicly, they can gain confidence, improve self-esteem and develop a deeper sense of personal achievement.