Brian Lawton
Brian Lawton
Dancer / Choreographer / Director
Brian Lawton is the Associate Artistic Director of The Vanaver Caravan and the artistic creator behind the company’s newest original works. Working closely with Livia Drapkin Vanaver (Founder & Artistic Director of Dance) and an emerging team of visionary artists, Brian is leading the company into a new creative chapter—shaping bold, imaginative productions that honor the Caravan’s roots while forging new paths in dance and storytelling.
A dancer, instructor, choreographer, and director, Brian brings an eclectic background to his work, with training in ballet, jazz, modern, Latin, and ballroom dance—and a specialty in the vernacular jazz dances of the 1920s–1940s. He has traveled the world teaching vernacular jazz, Charleston, and Lindy Hop, and continues to perform on stages of all sizes.
He is currently a cast member of Sw!ng Out, returning to The Joyce Theater with a critically acclaimed ensemble. His performance credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shakespeare in the Park’s Comedy of Errors, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Go Robot” music video and concert at Madison Square Garden, and Swing! at Gateway Playhouse.
Brian also brings a wealth of experience in musical theatre and commercial direction. He served as Choreographer and Resident Director of the A Charlie Brown Christmas National Tour and was a Resident Choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Line. His credits as Associate Director include Distant Thunder at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Part of the Plan at TPAC, both in collaboration with Tony-nominated director Lynne Taylor-Corbett.
With a deep respect for the past and an eye toward the future, Brian infuses his work with rigor, vitality, and heart. His leadership within The Vanaver Caravan reflects his commitment to community, collaboration, and the power of performance to move and transform.
