Lauren Staab, a Springfield native, grew up dancing right here in Springfield. She started dancing at the age of three at Dance Arts Studio when it was owned by Grace Nanavati where she later taught there Gina DeCroix Russell became owner of DAS. Lauren was a member of the Springfield Ballet Company under the direction of Julie Ratz (Artistic Director) and Gina DeCroix Russell (ballet Mistress). She started out as a trainee and later, a company member. She has also trained with Kansas City and Boston Ballet Schools. She has always had a passion for the performing arts, especially ballet. Lauren has her 200 yoga teacher training, yoga sculpt and barre certifications and teaches at Ahh Yoga in Springfield. Since 2009, she has worked at her family’s funeral home, Staab Funeral Home, and is currently a funeral director trainee. She has her associate’s degree in psychology (LLCC) and will be receiving her bachelor’s in science in spring 2024 (SIU-C).