Megan Lawlor

When and where did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of 3 at Annette and Company in Farmington Hills, MI.

What is your favorite style dance?

I actually don't have a favorite because I love all styles of dance: ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and modern, to name a few.

What would you say dancing has taught you as a person?

Dancing has taught me discipline and time management. It has also taught me that you should always have something in your life that you are passionate about and enjoy doing.

How are you keeping dance a part of your life in college?

I am on the Michigan Dance Team. We perform at football and basketball games and also compete in the Universal Dance Association national dance competition. I love how the team gives me an outlet to dance and also support my school. Over the summer I teach at summer dance camps in my hometown. I also take classes in Los Angeles at the Edge Performing Arts Center.

Do you find it difficult to balance dance and academics in college?

No, I don't because I've had to balance dance and school work all throughout middle school and high school, so I'm pretty used to it. I think that it is an easy task if you have your priorities in order.

Do you plan to remain active in dance in your new chosen career path of medicine?

Most likely I won't have time—I want to be surgeon. However, I will definitely make an effort to keep dance a part of my life.

If you could change one thing about the Michigan Dance Team, what would it be?

I wouldn't change a thing. I love all of the girls on the team and I love performing for the U of M audience. Go blue!

Which dancer or dance company do you admire the most and why?

That is a difficult question because there are so many amazing dancers out there. Dancers in many different styles inspire me and I think anyone that is able to succeed in a dance career deserves admiration.

What has been your most memorable performance and why?

The first football game I performed at—I believe it was the Central Michigan game—was extremely memorable to me. Ever since I saw the Michigan Dance Team perform when I was younger, it has always been a dream of mine to dance at the Big House. When it finally came true it was an incredible feeling.

Do you feel dancers are portrayed honestly in the media, for example in movies and TV shows such as "Center Stage," "Step Up," and "So You Think You Can Dance?"

Yes, I believe it does for the most part. I think that dancers lead a demanding life and that these shows and movies capture the hard work and dedication that go into their profession.

Are there any other misconceptions about dancers that you would want to refute?

I don't know if this is necessarily a misconception, but I feel that dance team should definitely be considered a sport. There are technical and artistic elements at the core of dance that make it similar to sports such as gymnastics and figure skating.

What three words do you feel describe your medium the best?

Passion, dedication, and creativity