Dancer, Athlete, Kind Heart, Child Whisperer, Cape Town, South Africa

“To know Lauren Louw is to love her. She is observant, kind-hearted, and demonstrates an extraordinary ability to manage a whirlwind of 20+ children with ease, transforming their energy into focused, engaged learning. In her children gym classes, Lauren teaches the fundamentals of movement—how to climb, balance, pivot, hang, and roll. Her demonstrations, rolling and balancing on beams, showcase levels of physical fitness that most adults can only admire from afar. It’s not just the children who are watching in awe; parents and caregivers are captivated as well.

Behind a marvelous children whisperer is a determined and persevering woman who has risen from a township outside the Cape Town International Airport to a national dance stage. As Lauren herself writes, “Finishing school in Delft, where less than 23% of the population graduate high school, was an achievement in itself.”

Lauren dreams beyond her current accomplishments, determined to further her dance career, hone her skills, and continue competing in talent showcases. Through Synergy Dance Academy, the school she founded, Lauren coaches and mentors youngsters in her community, serving as a beacon of hope and offering kids a glimpse at bigger possibilities. Despite facing threats from the neighborhood gangsters, intent on stifling her rise and killing her ambition, Laruen has not only persevered but thrived—traveling internationally and competing on European stages.

Ms. Louw has glimpsed the possibilities that lie beyond her origins, and her story is one of resilience, talent, and unshakable determination. It’s an honor to shine a light on someone so extraordinary.”

- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? What does your average day look like?

I’m an elite athlete specializing in sports aerobics and a three-time national champion. I am also a gymnastics instructor, dance coach, and early childhood development specialist. When I’m not coaching dance to children in the township where I grew up, I work as a gym instructor in Sea Point, Cape Town, working with kids of all ages.

4. What did you study in school? What school did you attend?

I studied accounting, business, and economics in school, but I was also part of every sports team. I attended Rosendal Secondary School in Delft.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career) that set you on the current path in life?

My early life was filled with uncertainty. My father was absent, and my grandparents raised me as best they could. Substance abuse and violence were realities in my home, and school and dance felt like my only safety. Every day spent in school and in dance felt like an achievement, and I stayed close to the teachers who became my role models.

Finishing school in Delft, where less than 23% of the population graduate high school, was an achievement I would not have reached alone. I owe so much to those who guided and comforted me along the way. I have been coaching kids for nine years now, with many reaching the national level in their sport. One of my proudest accomplishments is working with a set of twins who have been with me since age four; I love watching them grow stronger each day.

images provided by Lauren Louw

As I mentioned, I am currently the national champion in sports aerobics, after years of hard work. I also spent time competing in pageants, winning titles such as Miss Face of Autism, Miss Pure Beauty, and Miss Spotlight. I eventually stopped doing pageants, realizing I didn’t need a title to help those in need.

My life changed the day I realized everyone, regardless of background, has the same 24 hours, and it matters how you choose to spend it.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

Five years ago, when I was 20, COVID had left my world in a bleak state. My grandparents and I were unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. My life is very different now. Since the lockdown ended, I’ve lived my coaching dreams and had the privilege of traveling to three European countries to represent my country.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down, and how did you get back up?

Life knocked me down many times, but I always managed to get back up. I believe it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you rise. One such time was when gangsters threatened me and my partner, who also works with young people. We had to find a place to sleep each night, sometimes staying across the street from my job to make it to work safely. Despite everything, we survived and made it through.

8. Advice for other women?

Keep believing in yourself. You are the painter of your own picture; don’t let anyone else paint it for you. Keep showing up and always strive to be the best you can be.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e., where is your happy place)?

I feel tallest on stage and when working with the kids I coach.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

I love taking photos of nature because it’s beautiful and inspirational.

12. Have you traveled solo? If so, what were some of the most memorable destinations and why? Why do you travel, and would you recommend it to other women?

I traveled solo to Belgium once. It was a bit scary but also fun. I mostly travel for international competitions, and I would encourage women to travel—it opens up new adventures and fresh perspectives.

13. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I want to be a business owner of a dance school. My future goals include owning a massive dance studio and creating an organization to help young people develop essential skills, like computer literacy.

14. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

I still face triggers that bring up trauma from my childhood environment, and I hope to overcome those responses.

21. What are you reading now? (What books do you gift most, and what are your favorite reads?)

I started reading “War Room: Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon” by Chris Fabry but haven’t finished it yet. I don’t normally read.

22. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why? Can you nominate three (or more) women you know who perfectly fit the WOW WOMAN description? What would you tell them if you had an opportunity to share why you admire them?

Janine Fortuin is a WOW Woman in my life—she’s amazing! She works within the community, always stands for what is right, and encourages young people. The three women I would nominate are my coach, Marzanne; my teacher, Carmichelle; and Janine Fortuin. I would tell them they’ve changed many lives for the better and should keep going.

Bonus Quick Round Questions: