Meet Monique Lane of Kansas City Metro Area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Lane

Hi Monique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been involved in professional dancing since tearing up the floor as an NBA Oklahoma Thunder Girl and lighting up the NFL field as a Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue dancer.

After graduating high school, I attended Johnson County Community College and was a member of the Golden Girls dance team. I was the former Director of the Kansas City Twisters Dance team, dancing for KC’s very own professional basketball team; the Kansas City Tornadoes.

I continue to use my gift of dance to help build self-esteem in young kids, spending countless hours instructing and leading them in competitive dance and tumbling programs.

Aside from teaching private lessons in many different dance genres, I currently dance throughout the Kansas City Metro for local artist, community events, and other ceremonies.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey during my career has by far not been smooth. At times, I’ve felt the emotional weight of representing my city or even my culture on stage or while performing. It’s not just about showcasing a dance form; it’s about carrying the expectations of my community and even my family. the responsibility of honoring the legacy I have created, and the pressure to ‘do it right.’ That emotional burden can make the road even harder, as the stakes feel much higher.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since I am a professional dancer and choreographer, there are really a couple of sides that tie into it all. I have to have creative input to produce new works, offering my own personal insight to shape performances. There is Interpretation of Choreography: This involves understanding the intention behind the dance and embodying it with personal emotion and flair. How can I make this stand out from other choreographers? Lastly, Ill mention Career Management. Branding and promoting self: especially for freelance dancers. Managing one’s career often includes building a personal brand, creating portfolios, engaging on social media, and staying visible in the dance community.

I’m most proud of the fact that I have continued to have such a deep love and passion for this career. I have to be involved in some aspect and I will continue to do so until I am not physically able.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I plan on traveling and choreographing full time. It’s an important step in my artistic and professional development. I’m eager to embrace this opportunity and share my creativity with a broader international community while continuing to learn and grow as an artist.