Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Kevin Lau of Van Nuys

We recently had the chance to connect with Kevin Lau and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kevin , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day in my life as a freelance dancer starts with a quiet moment—just me, my inbox, and a strong cup of espresso. Once I’ve cleared out emails, I dive into checking out new casting calls and performance opportunities, whether they’ve come through my agent or popped up on online boards. Mornings are usually spent filming or editing self-tapes, or prepping for auditions—sometimes all three if it’s a busy week.

By midday, I like to switch gears and head to one of my favorite coffee shops—either Maru in the Arts District or Rok Coffee & Tea in Koreatown. It’s my time to catch up with friends, plan meetups, and stay connected with the dance community. Those spots feel like little creative hubs where ideas and collaborations often spark.

Evenings are all about movement. I’m either teaching a contemporary class at a local studio or jumping into a jazz funk or hip-hop session with friends in the Valley. It’s the part of the day that keeps me inspired and grounded—sharing space, exchanging energy, and growing together.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Chinese-Canadian dancer and choreographer, born and raised in Toronto and now based in Los Angeles, where I work as a freelance performer and educator. My journey in dance has taken me across the full spectrum of the industry—from live events to music videos—collaborating with some of LA’s most exciting choreographers like Entity Contemporary Dance, Gigi Todisco, and Sophia Lucia. I’ve also had the chance to contribute creatively to projects for artists like Justin Timberlake and Bon Iver, which has been both surreal and deeply rewarding.

Teaching is a huge part of my practice. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers, and I lead classes that focus on contemporary floorwork, improvisation, and choreography. I’ve been fortunate to teach at incredible institutions including Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Long Beach Ballet, and DC Dance LA.

At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to inspire young artists, keep evolving my choreographic voice, and continue building meaningful connections with dancers who lead with kindness and passion.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I saw myself as painfully shy and soft-spoken. I’d hang back during group activities, always the last to join in, and I’d stumble through conversations with classmates and even family. People often asked me to speak up or repeat myself, and I’d shrink a little more each time. Looking back, I think a lot of that came from deep-seated insecurities. I just didn’t believe in myself.

One moment that’s etched in my memory is my kindergarten graduation. The gym was filled with friends and family, and as soon as I saw my parents walk in, I panicked. I started crying and waving at them to leave. They quietly stepped out, and I sat on stage feeling overwhelmed with embarrassment and shame. That was me then.

Today, I barely recognize that version of myself. I’ve grown into someone secure, confident, and proactive—someone who chases opportunities instead of hiding from them. It’s funny how life unfolds. The kid who dreaded being the center of attention? He’s now a professional dancer.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I’ve always believed that success, on its own, teaches you very little. The real lessons—the ones that shape you—come from failure. Success is just the byproduct of hard work, dedication, learned behavior, and resilience. The gold is buried in the moments when you hit rock bottom—whether that’s in your career, your relationships, or your mindset. Because when you’re down there, you’re faced with a choice: let the weight of the setback crush you, or use it as fuel to push through the pain and come out stronger.

My dance career has been defined more by setbacks than triumphs. I’ve forgotten choreography mid-audition. I’ve tripped on stage during live performances. I’ve felt the sting of humiliation more times than I can count.

But those moments? They’ve been my greatest teachers. They’ve given me the grit, the humility, and the strength I needed not just to survive in this industry—but to thrive.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There’s this idea floating around that the dance industry is all about survival of the fittest—that to make it, you have to be cutthroat. And sure, reaching big milestones takes grit, discipline, and a healthy dose of competitiveness. But that doesn’t mean you have to lose your kindness along the way.

I’ve always believed there’s space for everyone in this industry—whether you’re on the creative side or performing center stage. I’m not into gatekeeping. I love sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of artists. Just like my mentors showed up for me, I want to pay that forward and be someone others can turn to.

Because at the end of the day, success feels a lot better when it’s shared.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as someone who led with kindness, lived with generosity, and moved through life with ambition. I want to be known as someone who gave their all—to their relationships, their career, and their family. Someone who didn’t just chase dreams, but made space for others to do the same.

More than anything, I’d like to be remembered for how I treated people—with love, with positivity, and with the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kmlau?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAack1-nBnkJ7pkkdw5je_Bk4kC9lwvFyYwriZR9uGlwI8yLQ76KhFLEnhllCmg_aem_paokA_BJROYEwMu6vmXw3g
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kevin_lau/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinMLau

Image Credits
Marissa Mooney