The story behind LVR Designs
I have loved dance ever since I can remember. As a little girl, even before I danced myself, I would go to my friend’s dance recitals wearing a ballet bun in hopes of being discovered. lol. I was into it. In 2nd grade I made my first dance costume. My mom was a teacher and let me take down the fabric from her classroom’s bulletin board. I made a “starry night” crop top, skirt, AND matching hairpiece all by tying little knots down the side of the fabric. I can’t promise you it was wearable, but I can promise you I thought it was.
Skip ahead a few years, and I am spending most of my waking hours dancing. I felt the happiest in the dance studio spending the days training with my friends. This is where I really learned that what I wore to dance had the power to make me feel confident, beautiful, and strong. I loved wearing something that reflected how I was feeling that day or matched the character I was playing.
To me, there has always been something so special about how dance can take transform you into new characters, take you on a journey, and make you a part of something bigger than yourself. Dance is an art rich in history, while at the same time, something that is constantly being reinvented. There is a space for everyone in the dance community and that’s what makes it so special.
I found my place in the dance world teaching and choreographing at a competition dance studio. I went to college for Fashion Design, worked for a designer in New York, then made my way back home to Minnesota.
For a while I thought I wanted to design gowns, but I missed my day-to-day life in the dance studio. That’s when I thought, why don’t I combine my love of fashion with my love of dance? I started out making custom costumes that were designed with elegance, simplicity, and clean lines in mind. Sometimes less really IS more! Through 10 years of costume making I have developed the style of LVR Designs to reflect quality, fit, and style.
I started LVR Designs Dancewear in the Fall of 2020. My main goal is to help dancers confidently embrace their individuality. It brings me so much joy seeing dancers grow in their training, artistry, and love of dance. Thank you to everyone who has supported LVR Designs over the years, I am grateful for your love and support. Looking forward to growing together! xx, Laura
Meet the Team
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Laura Van Riper
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Whitley Dahlhauser
DESIGN TEAM
@whitleydahlhauser
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Katy Lauerman
DESIGN TEAM
@katylauerman