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Laya Barak is a New York City based Director, Choreographer and educator. Born and raised in Detroit Michigan, Laya began her training at the Annette and Company School of Dance under Annette Bergasse and Emmy award winner Joshua Bergasse. She later spent many years at the Edge Performing Arts Center and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles. She graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Arts Administration Dance and Business. While at Indiana, Laya along with 5 other students in the individualized major program, helped shape what became the curriculum for a Dance Major at Indiana University.
Laya has done choreography for various recording artists in New York, Cyprus and Israel. Other credits include Broadway Bares (Director 2018-2022/Choreographer 2014-2022), Alvin Ailey’s Ladies of Hip Hop Festival (Choreographer), NBC Red Nose Day (Choreographer), In The Heights at the Dallas Theater Center (Assistant Choreographer), Ralph Lauren fashion show in central park (Assistant Choreographer) “We Will Be Back” Times Square event (Assistant Choreographer).
She has an instructional DVD available on Amazon titled Urban Jam Hip Hop dance with Laya Barak and was featured in ELLE magazine on her career as a dancer, choreographer and singer. Laya has taught hip hop and street jazz classes all over NYC at Steps on Broadway, Broadway Dance Center, and Alvin Ailey. She has also taught workshops and master classes around the US and abroad including Canada, Cyprus, Israel and Australia.
From The Artist
As a choreographer, I always enter a room with the intention of artistic collaboration with everyone involved. From the dancers to costume designers, lighting, and projection design, I always make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. The creative process is one of the most inspiring, beautiful, and fulfilling in my life and I want every room I’m in to feel that. I always want my dancers to feel inspired and create a safe space to explore movement. Bringing joy and human connection through dance is what drives me to create.
As a director I believe everything starts at the top. I truly love working with creatives and believe that it takes a village to make any project successful. From the creatives to the producers, designers, load in, tech, and beyond, if you lead with kindness and intention, the process will be a beautiful experience for everyone involved. I pay close attention to every detail and value collaboration. I always try to lead by example and create an environment that brings people together in a positive experience.
