‘Dancer of Promise’ aspires to inspire beyond IU program

As a child, freshman Lalah Hazelwood wanted nothing more than to be the best.

So every day, Hazelwood woke at 5:45 a.m. to do a little homework before catching the bus to school.

She studied hard, made good grades and all her friends loved her.
Yet, her true passion was dance.

Hazelwood trained intensively for more than 10 years, while studying everything from classical ballet to African dance, until one day she received the Greater Visions Productions Christian Dance Company’s “Dancer of Promise Scholarship.”

“This scholarship reflects my commitment to my craft and the positive impact I’d like to have on my community,” she said.

The scholarship was created in 2007 and offers an opportunity to “build a legacy that will perpetuate a dance culture centered around faith, ministry and excellence,” according to Greater Visions’ Web site.

“It was designed to encourage young people to use dance as a vehicle to give back and make a positive impact on the community,” Yvonne Battle of Greater Visions said.  
After rigorous deliberation, Battle and her cohorts found Hazelwood to be a model candidate for the award.

Hazelwood will join the dancers of the IU Contemporary Dance Program this fall after auditioning last year.

Senior Andranise Baxter is in the IU Contemporary Dance Program and mentors Hazelwood.

Baxter said she believes Hazelwood will contribute her “realm of experiences” to the program’s growing diversity.

“I’ve seen her dance numerous times and she never ceases to amaze me,” she added.

After graduating from North Central High School with honors, Hazelwood made the decision to attend college instead of auditioning for companies.

She said she chose IU because she is a 21st Century Scholar and believed there were many opportunities for excellence as a student and an artist.

“I would love to perform at different venues around the Bloomington community to show my love and passion for dance,” Hazelwood said.

Also while at IU, she eventually wants to become part of the African-American Dance Company.

But, Hazelwood’s greatest inspiration comes from her family.

Her mother, Vanessa Owens, and uncle, Nick Owens, co-founded the Kenyetta Dance Company in Indianapolis.

Being a member of the dance company further inspired Hazelwood to continue training.

While keeping it in the family, she is still motivated to help others.

“At a young age, I would always dance around the house with my mother,” Hazelwood said. “After leaving the professional dance world that I aspire to be part of, I want to be an instructor at my mother’s dance studio.”