To Dream the Nearly Impossible Dream
Photo Credit: James Jin
Meet Professional Ballet Dancer, Lauren Bonfiglio By LiliAnn Paras
Do you remember having big dreams for a spectacular career in the arts or in sports? Do you also remember the sinking realization that it takes extremely rare talent, incredibly hard work, and personal drive to fulfill this nearly impossible dream? Fortunately, Lauren Bonfiglio of Middletown possesses these requisite characteristics. As a child, she set two goals: to become a professional ballet dancer, and after seeing Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House, to be accepted at the pres-
tigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City. With laser focus and a deep love for dance, she achieved both goals and she now is enjoying her seventh year in the ABT’s corps de ballet. This did not happen overnight. Lauren has been training and dancing for 21 years-and she is only 24! Despite her impressive accomplishments, Lauren maintains a grounded perspective and a well-rounded life. CM met with Lauren to learn about her journey, the vigor of professional dance, the challenges of the pandemic, and what lies ahead. CONTINUED >