LOGAN LANE

What is the most challenging aspect of working in dance and being a parent for you?

The most challenging aspect is finding a balance between two parts of my life that both matter deeply. I

want to be fully present with my daughter, but I also cannot ignore the work that makes me feel alive and

connected to myself. Many dance jobs, rehearsals, and opportunities happen in the evenings, which often

means sacrificing valuable time with her. There is also often a lack of consideration for parents within the

field. Parenting responsibilities are not always taken into account, which can lead to fewer opportunities by

default and difficult choices that others may not have to make.

What support did you feel you had from work when you were pregnant?

I actually really struggled with the job I had while I was pregnant. I felt there was still an expectation for me to fully complete my duties as a choreographer and dance instructor, even while navigating pregnancy. When I tried to take the necessary time I needed and later return, my original position was no longer available to me because of my absence. It was a difficult experience that made me realize how little support can exist when pregnancy is not truly considered in the workplace.

Was there anything that may not have been in place that you felt could have been useful?

A community of women who had been dancers and are now mothers would have been incredibly useful. At

the time, I had no idea there was an entire community out there that could have offered a listening ear,

guidance, or support when returning to the dance field. Simply knowing there are other mothers who

understand the unique balance of both worlds is inspiring and comforting.

Do you think being a dancer/ working in the dance industry made you think differently about your

pregnancy/recovery?

Yes, absolutely, both the good and the bad. I wanted to rush my recovery because I missed being able to

move the way I had before having my daughter, so I got humbled to say the least and realized that if I ever

wanted to move in a sustainable way again, I needed to let my body truly heal. At the same time, I now

understand my body on a much deeper level. I feel things like my pelvis dropping and the weight of my legs

and upper body in ways I never really noticed before having my daughter. All of that has helped me recover

and shaped me into the dancer I am today.

From your experience, what advice would you give to an expectant parent regarding leave?

I would say take it. Take the leave and enjoy it as much as you can. The dance field will not disappear, and taking time for yourself and your new babe is important. The work will still be there when you are ready to return. Trust that you will move again, you will dance again, and you will find your own way of balancing both.

If you were expected to dance postnatal (either by yourself or your employer) how did you approach your

recovery?

Honestly, I wanted to come back faster than I should have because I missed dancing and wanted to feel like

myself again. I quickly realized recovery cannot be rushed. I had to learn patience, listen to my body, and

rebuild strength over time rather than forcing myself back too soon. It became less about returning to who

I was before and more about learning how to move in a new body with care and respect.

What changed most for you on your return to work?

What changed most for me was learning how to navigate a body that felt foreign. I no longer had a giant belly holding life, and theoretically, I should have been able to get “back to normal,” but it was far from that. Instead, I was in a new body that I had to completely relearn how to use and trust. At times it was frustrating, but it was also rewarding to realize this body carried new strength and had its own stories to tell. I also had to learn how to balance my time in an entirely new way. Returning to work meant figuring out when to give energy to my career and when to fully step away and be present with my daughter, something I am still learning even today. On top of that, I chose to return to school for my BFA after having my daughter, which added another layer to manage. But one of the greatest lessons parenthood taught me is how to prioritize, adapt, and make time for what matters most.

Does parenting help you in your work?

Yes, absolutely. Parenting has given me a much deeper understanding of children, which has been especially

valuable since I currently teach competitive dance. I find that I have more patience, more empathy, and a better sense of when to let things go and when something truly needs to be addressed. It has also helped me see situations from different perspectives, which makes me a stronger teacher and leader.

Does dance help you in your parenting?

Yes, absolutely. Dance has taught me that one of the best ways to work through emotions is to move the body.

Whether that means I need to step away and take a dance break to recenter myself or encourage movement

and play with my daughter, it is incredibly helpful. Dance has also taught me patience, creativity, discipline, and the importance of being present, all of which carry directly into parenting.

Do you know of any resources that already exist for parents who work in dance?

At the moment, I am not aware of many dedicated resources specifically for parents working in dance, which is why finding communities like Dance Mama feels so meaningful. I am very interested in discovering more spaces that support parents in the field, and I am also passionate about the possibility of creating my own space one day where parents in dance can feel seen, supported, and connected.

Anything else you think would be worth raising? (Here you can expand on your relevant work)

One thing I think worth raising is that motherhood should not be seen as something that takes women away

from dance, but as something that can deepen and expand their artistry. Through my honors thesis at the

University of Florida, I explored motherhood as embodied knowledge in dance through interviews with mothers in the field, personal reflection, and research. What became clear to me is that mothers carry valuable insight, resilience, adaptability, and creativity that deserve to be recognized within the industry. I believe the dance field has so much to gain by creating spaces where parents feel supported, visible, and able to continue their artistic work.

More about Logan

Logan Lane is a dance artist, choreographer, mother, and recent honors graduate from the University of Florida. Her honors thesis, (Mo)Th/V/(er): Reframing Maternal Experience as Embodied Knowledge in Dance, explored how motherhood reshapes identity, movement, and artistic practice through interviews, reflection, and lived experience. Her work centers embodiment, presence, and the realities of continuing to create after becoming a parent. Logan is passionate about expanding visibility for mothers in dance and encouraging more honest, supportive conversations around parenthood in the arts.

Links to Logan

Logan's thesis

IG: @l2nmotion