Dancer April L. McLaurin strikes a relaxed pose in North Carolina studio

April L. McLaurin is an East Coast–based movement and visual artist whose work lives at the intersection of storytelling, dance, and design. Her choreography is known for its bold aesthetic, emotional range, and distinct point of view.

MEET APRIL

*

MEET APRIL *

Choreographer April L. McLaurin on set during “Frisson” dance film in North Carolina 
( About April )

April L McLaurin is a professional versatile dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in the Raleigh-Durham area of NC.

Filmmaker April L. McLaurin performing on the beach in “Frisson,” with arms extended and leg raised in expressive choreography.

Through her work as a choreographer, filmmaker, and creative director, April aims to build worlds that blend movement, emotion, and visual storytelling. Her films delve into themes of femininity, nostalgia, resilience, and the complex nature of creativity itself.

She strives to craft stories that move both physically and emotionally, inviting audiences to experience dance not just as movement — but as a visceral, transformative expression of life’s complexities.

She began training at age 3 in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Contemporary. While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at UNC-Charlotte, she expanded her skills to include street styles and commercial dance. With credits including BET and MTVYo!, she has performed throughout North Carolina and the East Coast and been a member of multiple dance crews and groups. She honed her talent by attending prestigious programs such as Luam Keflezgy's 'Rock The Industry' and Bo Park's 'PARK Program.'

Currently, April focuses on her own choreography and teaching choreography, contemporary, and heels classes across North Carolina. Her dance concept projects, 'Childhood Dreams' (Jan 2023), 'RIDE' (July 2023), ‘Frisson’ (July 2024), and ‘At The Risk’ (premiering May 2025) showcase her journey into creative direction as she takes on roles in directing, producing, and choreographing her own dance visuals along with large casts & creative teams.

  • Choreographer April L. McLaurin surrounded by dancers during a beach scene from her original dance film “Frisson,” filmed in North Carolina.

    Frisson

    Choreography, Direction, Production, Graphics, Wardrobe, Dancer

    View Project
  • Ensemble cast performing “RIDE,” an original dance film choreographed and directed by East Coast movement artist April L. McLaurin.

    RIDE

    Choreography, Direction, Production, Lighting & Set Operation, Graphics, Wardrobe, Dancer

    View Project
  • Three dancers performing synchronized choreography in “Childhood Dreams,” a visual dance project by North Carolina filmmaker April L. McLaurin.

    Childhood Dreams

    Choreography, Direction, Production, Graphics, Wardrobe, Dancer

    View Project 
( Notable Staged Pieces, Choreographed by April L McLaurin)

  • “Waste My Time”

    Performed by Unbothered Waters, Street Medicine SZN XI Showcase (2025)

    Watch here
    Stage performance still featuring original choreography by April L. McLaurin, created for competition and live performance.

  • “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”

    Performed by Fountain Babies, Funk Academy XV (2024)

    Watch Here
    Dancers performing one of April L. McLaurin’s choreographed group pieces on stage

  • “Underwaterfall”

    Performed by RDU Heels, NC Underground Showcase (2022)

    Watch Here
    Thumbnail image of live performance choreographed by April L. McLaurin.
( A Regular Teacher At )

  • To The Pointe Dance [Hillsborough, NC]

    Guest Instructor & Guest Choreographer (2023–Present), “CRUSH” - Choreography for the 2024-2025 Competition season

    Logo for To the Pointe Dance Studio, a studio where April L. McLaurin has taught.

  • Christy's DancExplosion [Garner, NC]

    Weekly Instructor (2023–2024)

    CDE DancExplosion logo – studio that has featured choreography by April L. McLaurin.

  • LA Dance [Morrisville, NC]

    Weekly Instructor (2021–Present)

    LA Dance Studio logo – where East Coast choreographer and educator April L. McLaurin has taught.

  • DIA Dance Studio [Durham, NC]

    Guest Instructor (2018–2022), Biweekly Instructor (2023–Present)

    Dance Institute of America logo – a studio where April L. McLaurin has taught or choreographed.

  • NC Underground Dance [Durham, NC]

    Guest Instructor (2017–Present)

    NC Underground logo, a North Carolina-based dance program that has featured April L. McLaurin’s choreography.
Close-up of choreographer April L. McLaurin during “Frisson” dance film, touching her forehead in an emotive gesture.

LEARN MORE

Check out my resources for dancers.

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