Laura Mendes is a Brazilian dancer constantly broadening her horizons. Her curiosity, dedication, and passion for Dance guide her life.
She began dancing at the age of 4 and received pre-professional training at 11. Her studies encompass classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, musical theater, modern dance, improvisation, Forsythe technique, Gaga, and choreography development.
Mendes was awarded second place overall soloist at the Joinville Dance Festival, the world's largest dance festival (Guinness World Records since 2005). She performed as a soloist at Tanzolymp, an international dance festival in Berlin, Germany, in 2018. Also in 2018, Laura received a merit scholarship to attend Joffrey Ballet School in NYC.
While at Joffrey, she performed works by Yin Yue, Greg Lau, Yosito Sakuraba, and Antonia Franceschi. She was also a member of the Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, performing works by Omar Roman de Jesus, Eric Trope, and Bradley Shelver. Laura maintained her connection with Mr. Shelver by working as his assistant for his new creation for Graham II.
Laura spent the summer with Netherlands Dance Theater on a full scholarship award, performing a world premiere by Paxton Ricketts. As well as works by Hofesh Shechter and Jiri Kylian. She was also granted a scholarship for Orsolina28. She explored pieces by Crystal Pite and had the privilege to learn from Ohad Naharin during her time in Italy. In the Hubbard Street Chicago summer program, Mendes performed a new creation by Adam McGaw, James Gregg, Alysia Johnson, and Ashley Green. She also had the opportunity to learn A.I.M repertoire with Kyle Abraham himself.
In film and television, Mendes has collaborated with award-winning producers on commercials for Pantene and Farm Rio.
Currently, Mendes is a company member at Visceral Dance Chicago and Faculty at Dance Colony. Laura had a thrilling experience as the lead role, Carmen, in CARMEN.maquia — an evening-length ballet by the acclaimed Gustavo Ramirez Sansano. Carmen was listed top10 performances in chicago by the Chicago Tribune. In the company, she also performed works by Micaela G. Taylor, Roderick George, Marco Palomino, and Shannon Alvis.
