ABOUT LAURA WARD-MORAN

Laura Ward-Moran is the founder and owner of Unparalleled Pursuits, LLC. With a career spanning 26 years, she has worked as a performer, educator, business owner, consultant, curriculum writer, Pilates instructor, and program implementer. Laura has taught ballet, modern dance, composition, and Pilates across the East Coast in both public and private schools and colleges. She also owned and operated her own dance and Pilates studio for fifteen years. 

Currently, as the Director of Dance at The John Carroll School, Laura guides a select group of talented students and faculty through a comprehensive curriculum in dance technique and related studies. Her aim is to prepare students for their dance careers after high school, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the art form. Many of her students have excelled in dance, pursuing professional and collegiate careers and becoming influential figures in the industry. Laura has served on faculty at various festivals and workshops along the East Coast, where she has been a guest lecturer and teacher. She has also contributed as a writer for two dance media platforms. Her commitment to dance education extends beyond the classroom; she has extensive experience in writing curriculum and implementing dance programs in both public and private schools. 

In addition to her K-12 Maryland dance education certification, Laura continuously seeks to enhance her education. She has obtained certifications in the Pilates Method of Body Conditioning (as a certified Authentic Pilates instructor and certified Level V+ Romana’s Pilates Instructor), Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and The Language of Dance (Motif), developed by Dr. Ann Hutchinson Guest. Laura holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Loyola University of Maryland and has obtained Administrator I Certification through MSDE. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and the Maryland Dance Council, and she serves as the sponsor for the JCS National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) Chapter. Previously, she was on the Maryland Dance Education Association (MDEA) Board, representing private, independent, and parochial schools for grades K-12. From June 2018 to January 2021, she was a proud member of the Harford County Cultural Arts Advisory Board. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Laura was awarded the Maryland Dance Education Association 2022 Dance Educator of the Year for K-12 Education. As the owner of Unparalleled Pursuits, LLC, she also hosts the annual Mid-Atlantic Dance Educator Summit each summer in Maryland.