Meet Lara Bazant

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lara Bazant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, really appreciate your meeting with us today to talk about some particularly personal topics. It means a lot because so many in the community are going through circumstances where your insights and experience and lessons might help, so thank you so much in advance for sharing. The first question we have is about divorce and how you overcame divorce and didn’t allow the trauma of divorce to derail your vision for your life and career.

In 2018 I felt trapped in a miserable marriage and unfulfilling job. Life looked fine on the surface—I was gainfully employed in advertising, running a jewelry side hustle, and raising a smart kid. Behind closed doors, my marriage had fallen apart after we lost a baby in 2016. I was terrified of my husband’s controlling family and ashamed of my body. We couldn’t say two words to each other without fighting, and I couldn’t look in the mirror without crying. Anxiety and depression plagued me. That all changed when I walked into a comedy class at Second City. Though I had performed 20 years earlier, I’d long given up my theatrical self in exchange for stability. Taking that class was hard, but it gave me the courage to leave my marriage and build a better life for my son and me. The next year was filled with arguments, ego battles, social workers, lawyers, police, and even children’s aid. It seemed like everything I feared was coming true. But I kept going to comedy classes. After becoming a single mother, I faced workplace discrimination and had to quit my job. That’s when I took time to really work on myself: dance classes, vocal lessons, and a solo condo renovation helped me lose 80 lbs and rebuild my confidence. Right before lockdown, I delivered a polished comedy set in a professional club that concluded with a raunchy song inspired by a Tinder-obsessed single mom friend. That was my initial foray into musical comedy. During lockdown, I began a daily dance practice and energy healing that led to a personal awakening and mystical experience. This awakening helped me align with my true nature and even brought peace to my co-parenting relationship with my ex-husband. Post-pandemic, I integrated the awakening into street dance, somatic art, musical comedy, and creative parenting—transforming into a new version of myself. Today, I’m a drama and hip-hop teacher for kids, a published artist, and an active member of the Toronto street dance community. I even do a bit of modeling for fine art photography. My journey has taught me that being stuck doesn’t have to be permanent. By embracing risks and creativity, we can heal, grow, and inspire others to do the same.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a multifaceted artist with a range of entrepreneurial pursuits. In 2023 I wrote, produced, and performed a one-woman musical comedy show based on the aftermath of my awakening. I’m working on arranging a studio recording to make it into an album. I also plan to write about my experiences with non-duality and eventually produce an immersive art and dance show. However, my current focus is selling art-based merch online. What’s exciting about the merch is that, unlike the jewelry business I once ran, I don’t have to handle production myself. Using print-on-demand providers allows me to focus more on design and creativity while keeping overhead costs low. What truly motivates me is seeing my fellow dancers and comedians wearing my merch. It brings me so much joy to see the people I admire sporting products inspired by them. It’s a reminder that creativity has a ripple effect—one that connects and empowers our artistic community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Gratitude, courage, and self-love are essential to uncovering your authenticity. Sometimes, getting unstuck starts with taking one small step outside your comfort zone. I’m always open to trying new things and embracing change. It’s also important to remember that social media isn’t reality—people often seem like they’re living their best life while silently struggling. I encourage those who feel stuck to start a daily journal practice that involves releasing that which no longer serves, as well as celebrating even the smallest achievements. When I journal, I use colorful markers, which allow my inner child some space and grace. I underline the positive phrases—reminding myself that there is always a silver lining. As a single mom, I have limited time and resources, but I make an effort each day to appreciate the present moment—whether it’s the beauty of nature or how proud I am of my son.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Mentors in the street dance community have been invaluable in helping me overcome obstacles since 2021, teaching me the power of platonic love. Despite some health challenges over the past year, dance sessions have been my saving grace, allowing me to embrace both perfection and progress. Through this, I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to others, because at the end of the day we’re all on the same path. My son has also been a profound source of strength. I never could have left my toxic relationship if it wasn’t for him. His unwavering support keeps me grounded and proud. After performing my one-woman show, I couldn’t wait to tell him. He’s always my biggest fan. Once, after a rough patch, he said, “Mom, even though you’re not feeling well, I still think you’re amazing and love you no matter what.” His words remind me of the true meaning of unconditional love.

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