Laura Gipson

Laura “Salome” Gipson was born and raised in Central Florida. As an active child she was enrolled in ballet, and further expanded into gymnastics as well, competing for eight years. From an early age, she always loved performing in front of people- making up dance/gymnastics routines to the music on the jukebox and performing in front of strangers at the local VFW.

In high school, Laura joined the diving and pole-vaulting team at St. Cloud High School. While attending college at Florida Southern in Lakeland, she began coaching gymnastics and did that for another six years.

It wasn’t until she took a break from the busy sport of gymnastics that she discovered the art of belly dancing. She began taking classes for fitness and as a way to have fun with one of her close friends. In the beginning, it was a source of laughter and entertainment that soon turn into her passion for the dance. She now performs professionally with Samira’s Sahara Stars of Lakeland, with featured performances at the Festival on the Nile in Orlando, FL. She was also a featured performer at the restaurant, Fresh Choice Plus and it now a regular performer at Lakeland, Hookah Palace.

For Studio K, Laura will be teaching Belly Dance Fitness – a cardio workout based on belly dance movement. The class is for anyone who desires a cardio workout guaranteed to make you sweat and feel sexy at the same time. Laura’s goal is to not only share her love of belly dancing, but to also show how working out with dance can be tons of fun!