Katrina Lairsmith
Aurora,CO
Summary
Katrina Lairsmith — Educator & Choreographer
Katrina Lairsmith is a dynamic force in the Colorado dance community, currently serving as Owner and founder of Collabratory Complex. She brings a rich tapestry of performance and leadership experience to her role, blending classical technique with contemporary innovation.
Early Years & Training
• Discovered ballet by observing classes at a local studio across the alley from her home, dancing excitedly in imitation of the routines she saw.
• Earned a scholarship with the Cleo Parker Robinson Training Group, where her passion for dance first truly ignited.
Professional Growth & Influences
• Danced professionally for the Denver Nuggets for three years, where she also began to hone her choreography skills.
• Traveled to Los Angeles to join the prestigious EDGE scholarship program, where she trained under renowned contemporary dance mentors like Mia Michaels, Jackie Sleight, and Terry Beeman—marking a pivotal turning point in her artistic evolution.
• Continued her training at iconic New York studios, including Alvin Ailey and Steps, fully embracing the language of contemporary movement.
🎭 Creative Ventures & Achievements
• In 1998, founded The Damsels Dance Company, a contemporary ballet group dedicated to supporting women in crisis.
• Her choreography earned high praise from Denver Post arts critic Glen Giffin: “At her best Lairsmith choreography is visually arresting.”
• Launched Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy, where her work “Hide and Seek” won the national title at LAdanceforce.
• Honored as Educator of the Year by the Co‑Dance convention, showcasing her excellence in teaching and advocacy.
• Guest judge on Dance Moms in 2017, further solidifying her reputation in competitive dance circles.
• In addition, she led her team to a national championship at the KAR dance competition with her choreography titled “No Choir.”
Entrepreneurial & Leadership Roles
In 2021, Katrina founded the Collabratory Complex, a multidisciplinary creative space fostering collaboration across dance, performance, and the arts.
Vision & Impact
Katrina is deeply committed to using dance as a tool for transformation—both for individuals and communities. Whether mentoring dancers, curating meaningful choreography, or strategizing the next creative initiative, she consistently champions inclusivity, empowerment, and artistic excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Collabratory Complex
Denver, CO
05.2022 - Current
- Maintained relationships with existing clients by providing superior customer service.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Provided direction and guidance to employees.
- Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Developed strategic plans to increase profitability and efficiency.
Owner
Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy
Denver, CO
01.2007 - 01.2018
- Worked with children of different ages and molded teaching methods to align with age and skill level.
- Organized social media campaigns to increase public awareness about the studio's offerings.
- Scheduled rehearsals, performances and competitions.
- Negotiated rates with vendors providing services related to the studio's operations.
- Coordinated meetings between staff members to discuss upcoming projects or assignments.
- Maintained accurate financial records including accounts receivable and payable, payroll and budgeting.
- Managed studio operations including customer service inquiries, scheduling appointments and managing staff schedules.
- Recruited, trained and supervised dance instructors.
- Organized and managed a variety of classes for students of all ages and abilities.
- Assisted in developing fundraising initiatives to support the studio's activities.
- Researched music, costumes and props for performances.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote the studio's services.
- Created choreography for performances and special events.
- Ensured that the facility was clean and organized at all times.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
Education
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip, Commercial Acting
Edge Performing Arts
Los Angeles, CA06-1995
Modern And Ballet Dance
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
New York, NYSkills
- Yoga instructor (400 hours teacher training)
- Choreography
- Barre
- Social Media Management
- Acro
- Customer relations
- Fitness Goal Support
- Teaching Forms and Techniques
- Visual Student Assessment
- Relationship Building
- Nutrition Advisory
- Coaching and Motivating
- Weight Management
- Wellness Coaching
Accomplishments
- National Grand Champions KAR dance competition. National choreography award for NO Choir
- Choreography awards from Showstoppers, Rainbow, Nuvo, Jump, Velocity, YAGP, Radix, NYCDA, Hollywood connection, Kar.
Education and Training
other,other
Timeline
Owner
Collabratory Complex
05.2022 - Current
Owner
Colorado Contemporary Dance Academy
01.2007 - 01.2018
Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip, Commercial Acting
Edge Performing Arts
Modern And Ballet Dance
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre