Lauren DuBose

Profession: Co-owner, The Dance Connection Bend

Community: Tumalo

Partner: Devon DuBose, chemical engineer

Children: Dylann, age 9 & Brooks, age 6

Photos: Caitlyn and Co. Photography

This mom is dancing through the seasons of life.

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My husband and I met in Bend just about 20 years ago. We both moved for jobs straight out of college. We feel lucky that we have been able to build our family and businesses in Bend. Our kiddos love to be outside and are at the ages where it feels like we are always busy with something. We currently have six chickens and board two horses on our property. We have always had fur-babies, but after our dog Lincoln crossed the rainbow bridge last fall we have been waiting for the right timing to welcome another pup to our family. Our kiddos are ready.

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? One of our favorite family traditions is to go cut down our Christmas tree. We take hot cocoa, sleds and make an afternoon adventure of it. We always name our Christmas tree. This past year we were graced with “Cindy Lou Who” bringing all the festive spirit to our home.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I always wanted to be a mom. I have always loved babies and teaching dance to littles. I never had a doubt that I would be a mom one day. Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. I would say any time my kids are getting along, being considerate or thinking of others is what makes me most proud. I love when my kiddos think of each other when they aren’t together and want to do considerate things for each other or others. Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. I have humbling mom moments daily. I think as they get older, it continues to get harder to navigate social aspects of them growing up. How do you deal with mean girls and rough days at school or at after-school activities? At the end of the day, I want to raise good humans and help them learn how to deal with difficult things. It’s hard not to want to bubble wrap them, but we all know that is not going to help down the road.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Oh man, the real question is what have we not found wedged between the car seats? If you have been in my car, you can attest.

We’re all moms so we know that no one is perfect all of the time, or even some of the time. Tell us about your most recent “Mother of the Year” moment. You know, like forgetting to pick the

kids up from school. The one I am still kicking myself for is missing soccer sign-up for my daughter. The past few seasons I got away registering later in the summer and quickly learned this season that that didn’t cut it. Thankfully we got her on a team, but don’t worry you will find me logged on in March next year to be the first to sign up.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say…“Did you wash your hands?” or “Get your shoes on, we’re leaving!” No one works harder than mom. We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How

do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? I have a hard time saying no and have found that I like to be busy (usually too busy). That sometimes comes at the cost of feeling like I am not doing anything at 100% and usually means my house is a disaster and the laundry isn’t folded, or let’s be real, it’s still in the dryer. As I grow older, I am working on saying no more often. I think the hard part for me is all the extra stuff I commit to is usually the fun stuff I would rather be doing at the dance studio or at the kid’s school rather than staying up on my chores.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I am lucky to work beside the most amazing humans and help bring dance to Central Oregon. When I moved to Bend, if you would have told me I would someday own a dance studio here, I would have told you you were crazy. But here I am and so thankful to have talented co-owners and the most incredible faculty teaching with us. I grew up dancing so it’s always been a passion, but this wasn’t part of the plan. I remember reading somewhere the saying “Sometimes, on the way to where you’re going, you stumble upon somewhere even better.” That pretty much sums it up.

What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Some of my closest and dearest friends came through us meeting at the studio. Many of them are moms, and I am constantly learning from them and leaning on them.

Tell us about a recent achievement you’re proud of, or a personal passion or talent. Watching the studio grow is a constant reminder of the work we are collectively doing at TDC Bend. It’s not just a few of us, it is all of the faculty and the community of families that come together to make it not only successful,

but a special place. When the alumni are sending you videos of their dorm rooms at college because they miss you and the studio, or you get a text about how their first day of college went, you know you have made an impact far beyond the dance steps. Ultimately, that is the goal. If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I am fortunate to have been raised by the best parents and alongside an annoying little brother (who is now one of my favorite humans). They are still some of my biggest supporters no matter what I am doing. My mom has always been a huge influence in my life and still someone I call for advice or when I am having a bad day. I was also very fortunate to have strong, loving, supportive grandmothers. My oma who is about to turn 91, is a big part of my life and I am so thankful my kids get to spend time with her. They have memories with her of going to the zoo and swimming in her pool. The only complaint I have about living in Central Oregon is that we are not close to our family (they are in Arizona), but I am thankful for the time and memories we do get to have when we visit.

What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? The seasons. It sounds funny, but growing up in Arizona I didn’t experience all of the seasons. I love that we can watch the leaves turn and play in the snow in our backyard but also go to the lake/river in the summer. Tell us something about you that would surprise people who don’t know you. I don’t drink coffee. I actually hate the taste of it. I did the morning news for years and tried all the creamers and sweeteners, but just cannot stand the taste.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do? I would likely cuddle up in bed and binge watch a show.

What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? All the things! My to-do list, did I get back to all of the emails, did I turn in the permission slip… What keeps you sane? My girlfriends. Getting to chat, vent and have some girl time always fills my cup. What is your least/most favorite household chore? Laundry takes the top spot for least favorite. My favorite is taking scraps to the chickens.

I love visiting them and they get excited because they know we come bearing gifts.

Who is your favorite fictional hero? Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She was my favorite growing up, and I still think I can learn from her.

Who is your favorite real-life hero? My mom. She is selfless and shows up for all the people in her life. She recently lost a friend to ovarian cancer and watching her show up for her every day, every treatment was something I will never forget. She is that person you can always count on, and I want to be that for my family and friends when I grow up.

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? My business partners, Paige and Amy. The three of us are in different stages of life, and I love that it often feels like we’re sisters. They both inspire me to be my best self and be a better person, teacher and mom. They both are amazing moms and I love that I get to experience motherhood alongside them. Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? It’s easy to judge or think, “I’ll do it this way,” or “My kid will never act like that,” before you have kids, but the reality is every baby is different, and as they get older there are different challenges and things that come up. Just when you think you are getting the hang of something, it changes. It’s not that I thought it would be easy, but it’s easy to assume you will have all the control over every situation. All of us who are lucky enough to be moms know that’s just not the case. I’m still working on going with the flow when things don’t go

as planned.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? If you are worried about being a good mom, that means you already are one. What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I would say to not worry so much. It is hard when you are in the thick of it, but the more you can relax, the better it will be for everyone. Time goes by way too quickly, so try to enjoy it while you can.

MOM’s favorite…

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Spoons

…words to live by: Everything happens for a reason.

…place to find some peace & quiet: My backyard

…binge-worthy TV or podcast: Ted Lasso, The Mindy Project,Lincoln Lawyer

…way to get out of making dinner: Teaching late (I am lucky my husband is a much better cook than I am)

…inspirational quote: Be who you are not who the world wants you to be.

…time-saving digital tool: Chat GPT

MOMs love local…

We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations.

Share your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Miko Miko

…coffee spot: Bend Teal

…spot to get a good workout: StarCycle Bend

…restaurant to take the kids: Mountain Burger

…restaurants for a date night: The Hudson, Kanpai

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: The Bite Food Trucks

…meetup spot for happy hour: Hawkeye & Huckleberry

…boutique to find a new shirt or home décor item: Clementine Urban Mercantile, Jubilee

…local park where kids can let off steam: Tumalo State Park

…event in your community: Dancing with the Central Oregon Stars supporting Sparrow Clubs

…any other local places you love: Dear Mom Cafe, McKay Cottage, MoveIt Dancewear, Mudpies & Lullabies Preschool