Lauryn Turner named CEO of DanceOne to lead next stage of growth
Our take
When DanceOne announced Lauryn Turner as its new CEO, the news landed like a perfectly executed pirouette — graceful, powerful, and impossible to ignore. As someone who has built a life around the pole, the kitchen, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing your worth, I see this appointment as more than a corporate shuffle; it is a declaration that leadership in dance can look like a woman who understands the grind, the glitter, and the grace in equal measure. Turner's two decades of executive experience across youth and professional sports signal a strategic mind, but it is her mandate to expand partnerships and strengthen globally recognized brands that makes my heart race — because when dancers win, we all win. This moment feels deeply connected to the conversations happening at the DanceOne Summit: Professional development as a multi-dimensional process and the community spirit of Dance the Magic's Pixie Dust in Paradise: A gathering for dance educators, where growth is measured not just in technique but in the courage to show up as your fullest self.
The significance here extends far beyond the boardroom. DanceOne sits at the center of the largest family of dance brands in the world, which means Turner's vision will ripple through studios, competition floors, and living rooms where little girls and grown women alike practice their turns in the mirror. Operational alignment sounds clinical on paper, but in practice it means fewer barriers between a dancer's passion and their potential — streamlined pathways, clearer communication, and resources that actually reach the people who need them. As a fitness guru who believes the best workout is the one that makes you feel unstoppable, I know that structure creates freedom. When the business side runs smoothly, the art side gets to soar. And let us not forget the educators who carry this industry on their backs; they deserve a CEO who sees their labor as the foundation, not the footnote.
There is also a quiet revolution happening in how we define "dance leadership" — and Turner's appointment feels like a milestone in that shift. For too long, the image of authority in this space has been narrow, often disconnected from the embodied knowledge that comes from years in the studio, on the stage, or yes, even wrapped around a
DanceOne, the leading producer of educational and competitive dance events and the largest family of dance brands in the world, has announced the appointment of Lauryn Turner as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Ms. Turner will lead DanceOne’s next phase of strategic growth, focused on operational alignment, expanding partnerships that enhance opportunities for dancers, and further strengthening the company’s portfolio of globally recognized brands and tours.
Ms. Turner brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience spanning youth sports, professional sports, Olympic sport governing bodies, and entertainment-driven consumer platforms. With industry roots as a former athlete, coach, and judge, she combines deep community understanding with a proven track record of operational leadership, organizational transformation, and strategic growth.
Prior to joining DanceOne, Ms. Turner served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Dallas Wings, where she helped lead one of the most significant growth periods in franchise history, contributing to record-breaking revenue growth, franchise-record ticket sales, and increased national visibility during a pivotal era for women’s sports.
Previously, Ms. Turner served as Chief Operating Officer of USA Gymnastics, where she helped lead a comprehensive organizational transformation focused on athlete safety, governance modernization, operational accountability, and rebuilding trust, while helping stabilize and strengthen the organization during one of the most pivotal periods in its history. Earlier in her career, Ms. Turner held leadership roles with Varsity Brands spanning operations, events, brand development, and business growth across multiple sectors of the organization.
“Dance is one of the most passionate, inspiring, and community-driven industries in the world,” said Ms. Turner. “What makes DanceOne so unique is the opportunity to positively impact dancers and studios at every stage of their journey while helping shape the future of the industry through innovation and meaningful community impact. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place, expand opportunities for the dance community to grow and thrive, and continue fostering environments where dancers feel supported, inspired, safe, and empowered.”
In addition, DanceOne also announced the appointment of Dan Dolezal as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dolezal brings more than 22 years of financial and operational leadership experience, including executive roles at S2BN Entertainment Corporation, Blackbird Presents, and Bandersnatch Entertainment.
“DanceOne has reached an important moment in its journey as we continue building on the foundation that has made this organization so special,” said Gary Pate, Chairman of the Board. “For years, our focus has been creating opportunities for dancers, supporting studios, and building a community that families trust and love. Lauryn and Dan both understand the importance of that mission while also bringing the leadership and operational experience needed to help guide DanceOne into its next chapter. I believe we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us to strengthen our organization, support our brands, and continue expanding the positive impact we can have across the dance community.”
For more information, visit dance.one.
The post Lauryn Turner named CEO of DanceOne to lead next stage of growth appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
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