Gretchen West lamb
Hello, my name is Gretchen West Lamb and I dance because it connects me with a community
of people who support me expressing the unique person that I am and in becoming my very
best self. In this dance community I have found teachers, directors, and fellow dancers who
have encouraged me to challenge myself and not give up when I have felt like I had failed. I
remember a time when my parents told the director of my company that they could not afford
my dance classes anymore and I would need to stop attending. The director told my parents
that dance was a part of me and that they would see that although this was a roadblock at the
time, I would find a way to perform and dance. This director’s belief in me gave me the
validation and encouragement I needed to confront this and future obstacles. Dance has given
me the determination and perseverance to overcome struggles and come out stronger, having
achieved the goals I set for myself. Having had these experiences motivates me to support
others in dance, the same way I have been and facilitate not only creating dances, but great
opportunities for them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
I am excited to teach at Ordway Conservatory of Classical Ballet (OCCB) because students are
given the opportunity to develop while being challenged in a holistic way. With this as a
foundation, a dance student can make mistakes as they learn because they are in nurturing
environment where they are encouraged and supported to overcome fears and challenges so
they can progress. I love that OCCB encourages and supports their students to be their unique
and authentic selves while learning the art of dance. I have already felt the strong sense of the
OCCB community and I am excited to be a part of and contribute to it, as well. I know that this
will happen as I get to know each of my students and have wonderful memories with them and
others at OCCB.
What does she teach?
Ms Gretchen teaches Elementary 3, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Pointe classes.
Training
40+ years of dance experience
Peninsula School of Performing Arts
Los Angeles County High Schoo for the Arts
Diane Lauridsen Ballet Centre
Brigham Young University, Minor- Dance, Ballet
Ailey School and Extension: Ballet, Modern, and Jazz
International Dunham Technique Seminar
NYU, MA, Dance Education
Has worked with
Donald Hewitt
Diane Lauridsen
Paula Morgan
Karon Lehman-Brown
Multiple Master Dunhan Teachers
Finis Jhung
Performance and choreography
NYU 2023 Graduation, I Need You- Radio City Music Hall
NYU 2023 Masters Concert, performed a professor’s piece and choreographed, My
Dear Child
NYU 2022 Distinguished Faculty Concert
Evita and multiple musical dance theatre productions
Disney Entertainment
Firebird, South Bay Ballet, Hollywood Bowl
Choreographed for Center for the Arts-Manassas, Musical Dance Theatre, and School
Productions - 30 years