Lauren was the winner of our Jo+Jax model search back in 2015 – and now the 17 year old powerhouse is dancing her way to fame on World of Dance Season Three!!

Lauren has delivered stunning performances on the show, marked by her skill, control, and shining confidence. We’ve included a couple of her WOD performances below!

We are thrilled that Lauren is such a strong and well-rounded ambassador for Jo+Jax and we were lucky enough to be able to ask her a few questions in between her crazy rehearsal and filming schedule.

JJ: LAUREN, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US AT JO+JAX.  WE WOULD LOVE TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE PERFORMING ON WORLD OF DANCE!

Lauren:  My first performance on the World of Dance stage was absolutely unbelievable. I decided to do a powerful contemporary style to showcase my personality. I have never been happier in my entire life after I danced on that stage. I knew in that moment that I was going to make dance my career. I wish I could relive that day everyday! 

JJ: THAT SOUNDS EXHILARATING!  CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO DANCE IN FRONT OF CELEBRITY JUDGES?

Lauren: Being in front of celebrity judges was obviously very nerve wracking, but also those judges are human too, so it very fun to be able to connect with these very well known people that I look up too as well. 

JJ: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS EXPERIENCE SO FAR? 

Lauren: I have learned a lot about myself as a person and a dancer. After being a part of World of Dance, it has made me realize that I want to make dance my career. Getting to see the process of how things were run in the industry just made me fall in love with it more and want to be apart of it. 

JJ: HOW DO YOU THINK WHAT YOU’RE WEARING EFFECTS YOUR PERFORMANCE?

Lauren:  I definitely think wardrobe and appearance has a huge impact and effect on dancing. I believe you need to look the part to play the part. Personally, I don’t feel ready to dance until I look ready!! Haha!! 

JJ: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?  WHO ELSE ARE YOU ROOTING FOR THIS SEASON?

Lauren: Everyone on the show this season is extraordinary in their own way. I’m honestly rooting for everyone. The amount of talent on this season in unbelievable and I still cannot believe I got to be apart of it all. 

GOOD LUCK Lauren Yakima on your World of Dance journey, and stay tuned for more WOD coverage on the JJ Blog!