Meet Laura Padgett of Laura L. Padgett, Author, Dancer, Speaker in Lakewood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Padgett.

Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was in my forties I decided to find a new fitness program. I took up Irish Step Dancing and have danced, competed and taught that for almost twenty years. I’ve also studied, performed and taught sacred or worship dance in churches, workshops, and retreats all around the US. I’ve also been on several tap and clogging teams.

I received my BA in communications in my fifties and my MA in storytelling through movement in my late fifties. Since retiring at age fifty-nine, I have written two books, been published in multiple anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul and other publications.

Because of being a published author, I am asked to speak in writers meetings and conferences to share my writing and publishing as well as marketing journey.

One of my great accomplishments as a dancer is being a leader of a troupe of adult elves who perform and assist in all sorts of holiday festivities around the Denver Metro Area. We are volunteers and never take money or compensation and are always happy to assist with making merry in venues such as children’s centers and shelters for women and children as well as churches.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think taking up dance in my mid-life years was a challenge for me and others in the dance world. I certainly had a great deal to prove. In my fifties, I went on to perform in many venues of Irish, tap, clogging and took multiple medals as a team member and soloist.

I did not receive my college degree until I was in my fifties. I was not able to attend college as a young person. I have a great deal of trouble reading as well which contributed my difficulties as a young person in obtaining my college education. But with practice, I have improved my reading skills over the years to the point of not only obtaining my BA but an MA both with honors including induction into the Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. This honor is bestowed on only 4% of the graduating class each year.

As an author, my biggest challenge is marketing and finding venues to sell my books and speak about storytelling. But with persistence, I’ve managed to secure at least one speaking engagement per month and many opportunities to sell my books.

It is always my focus to teach others how important their stories are and there are ways to share them whether they publish or not.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My company is three-fold in that I dance, I write and I speak to encourage others to find and pursue their dreams no matter what their challenges may be. I am particularly interested in helping others understand that they matter and their stories matter and can contribute to the fabric of our world in a good way.

As a gold-medalist in Irish Dance, multiple team medals in tap and clogging, a multi-published, multi-awarded author and sought after public speaker, I think I bring the message that we can realize our dreams no matter what age or stage. I believe I am valid in saying, “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

I love telling stories of my life, which is the basis of my latest book, “Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Short Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments,” I especially love stories about people or things in my life, like my 1969 VW Beetle Lynard.

You can get “Jesus in Shorts” as well as my first book, “Dolores Like the River” at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The Tattered Cover in Denver has Jesus in Shorts available by ordering that from them.. Dolores Like the River is also available through Westbow Press.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had many teachers and mentors along the way. Certainly, my husband has been there encouraging and supporting all my dreams, as have my sister, Mary and my son, Gabriel. I’ve had support from my stepchildren as well in terms of marketing my books and helping me find venues to present my work.

In dance, there were many who believed in me including many of my dance teachers, too many to name actually. I also have had support and instructions in sacred and praise dance by two women I admire and try to imitate, Cheryl Yarusso and the late Paula Douthitt.

During my educational years, I had multiple advisors and a supportive atmosphere at Regis University in Denver.

The hard-working and dedicated ladies on the elf troupe have made this volunteer organization an example of spreading joy and the spirit of Christmas throughout the Denver Area. They are the inspiration and epitome of selflessness and service to our communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lauralpadgett.com
• Phone: 303-570-1530
• Email: lauraleepadgett@gmail.com
• Instagram: laurapadgettauthor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraLPadgettAuthorSpeakerDancer/
• Twitter: @lauraleepadgett

Image Credit:
All of these pictures have been taken by my husband, Keith Padgett except for the one of the pixie dancer. That was taken by Sandee Flannagan of Flannagan Photography in Broomfield, CO.

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.