NEWBERRY – Lauren Alston has been hired as the head coach for Newberry's Dance program.
 
"I'm excited to welcome Lauren to Newberry," said Associate Athletic Director Wayne Alexander, who chaired the search committee. "The passion and expertise she brings to the position will bring a new level of excitement to our Spirit programs."
 
Alston, a Columbia native, has learned from choreographers that include two Emmy Award winners, a backup dancer for Whitney Houston and Chris Brown, a principle dancer for the New York City Ballet, a choreographer for the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, and Grammys, and a So You Think You Can Dance winner.
 
She began her professional career at age 16, touring various cities in China over the course of a month and performing over 40 shows. She has performed in several commercials and music videos and has worked extensively in choreography, directing dance studios, and judging dance competitions and conventions at the national and regional level. Collegiately, she performed as a member of the Carolina Girls while attending the University of South Carolina.

Alston will lead the rebranded Dance program, which was formerly known as Scarlet Poms.
 
"I'm so thankful to be given this opportunity at Newberry," Alston remarked. "I can't wait to work with these amazing young men and women and see the new heights they're able to achieve."