About Us

Next Steps College & Career Counseling for Dancers was born from the realization that there are limited resources available to strategically support dancers during transitions in their training and careers. We understand your passion and want to help you achieve your goals.

Mission

Our mission is to provide sound counsel tailored to individual dancers as they take their next steps.

Vision

Our vision is that all dancers have access to the knowledge and information they need to reach their full potential.

Our Leadership

Lauren Merten, President and Founder

Lauren Merten is the President and Founder of Next Steps College & Career Counseling for Dancers. She is a Strategy, Marketing and Business Intelligence professional with substantial experience in a variety of industries. Her particular strengths are in research, data analysis and translation into actionable strategy.

Lauren has years of experience advising clients on resume and marketing strategies towards successful outcomes. She is a Cum Laude graduate from The Ohio State University with a BA in Psychology and an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business with concentrations in Marketing, Strategic Management and Finance. At the University of Chicago, Lauren was selected to serve on the Dean's Student Admissions Committee.

Most importantly to her work at Next Steps, Lauren is a "Dance Mom" who has been where you are. She understands your passion and supports the search for your best fit program or company.

Lauren has worked with the Greater Cincinnati Dance Alliance on their annual College Fair since its inception and is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association.

Lauren and her team have created a comprehensive database of dance training programs (high school and college) and companies to serve as the starting point of our work with you.