Laura is a creative practitioner, performer, choreographer and technique teacher in contemporary dance. Her blog, Promise to Carry the Cases, originally stemmed from a passion for travel and has since evolved into a visual outlet that curates a collection of memories and experiences, bringing moments of movement to her creations. The aim is to capture a touch of 'wanderlust' in everyday life. From home interiors to beauty products, style, fashion, and travel tales, Laura creates a visual story that allows moments to linger just a little longer.

Can you tell us a bit about you, your background and how it lead you to the work you are doing now?

I have been working as a contemporary dance artist for 22 years. Alongside my dance work, I am also a lifestyle and travel content creator, a journey that began with my blog, Promise To Carry The Cases, where I documented and shared photographs and stories from our travels. This has evolved into a visual outlet on Instagram, allowing me to create content for brands. My aim is to capture a sense of 'wanderlust' in everyday moments, occasionally incorporating dance and movement into the photos and concepts.

What inspires you in the everyday?

Sunlight, I think I am solar powered. Whether that is catching the light or 'golden hour' in a photograph or whether it is streaming in to the dance studio, it is definitely a motivator for the day. And music, always music, can I please have sunshine and music? Very greedy.

What are your studio essentials?

A good pair of socks, they have to be right haha. Contemporary dance in general is in barefoot but for the most part we are shifting and sliding in our socks, so they've got to feel good. On top of that the joggers/dance trousers also have to be right, it can make or break a day haha and of course a good playlist, back to that music.

What are you listening to at the moment in the studio?

In the studio there will always be Max Richter, Ezio Bosso and Adrián Berenguer in the playlist... Agnes Obel and Florence and The Machine, as well as a good 80's tune will also make an appearance too!

Where are your dream travel spots?

The Greek Islands, always and forever! We have been lucky enough to visit quite a few of the Cyclade and Ionian islands whilst island hopping over the years and they never fail to warm the soul. The aim is to see as many as I can in my lifetime. Although, this year we are heading to Sicily, so I feel like I am cheating on Greece, but very much looking forward to it . I also LOVED Sri Lanka, the colours, the people, the landscape. Mexico too, loved Tulum and Isla Holbox was absolute paradise, I would love to explore other parts of Mexico in the future. The list goes on, I could talk about travel all day long!

What do you always find yourself bringing home from trips?

Sometimes a piece of jewellery, and I definitely always try to pick up a little piece of crockery or ceramics, if I can squeeze them in my case and a 1000 photographs!

We love you in RADISH. Do you have a favourite piece, and why?

Well, I do love Layla, the 70's feel and the sleeves are my favourite but I would have to say the Gracie which I got for my 40th Birthday party. I looked forever for the right dress and the red Gracie with her 70's vibe was exactly what I was looking for. I have also leant it to a few friends too for events and I love that. Sharing the happy spirit and times I had wearing her.

What are your favourite independent shops/brands?

Recently I have bought a few hair clips from Carlotta London, and I love the range and different shapes and colours and I have brought them as gifts for friends too.

I am always coveting Studio Spokes' pieces. I am yet to purchase but Tash creates the most beautiful tops from upcycled materials, I keep missing the drops but I will get one one day!

Favourite hometown / London spots or discoveries?

I really enjoy going in and out of London for work, dinner, and other fun things, but closer to home, I love The Rex, an Art Deco cinema in Berkhamsted. It's a beautifully decadent yet relaxed place where you can enjoy wine and cheese around a table or cozy up in a chair with a hot chocolate. We make it a tradition to visit every Christmas to watch It's a Wonderful Life. It's perfect.

What’s on your summer packing list?

Well I will be taking my Layla dress to Sicily and also lots of good books, bliss.

Laura wears our Gracie dresses in the studio.

You can read Laura’s blog here… promisetocarrythecases.com and find her on Instagram here… @promisetocarrythecases

Photographs by Effie McGuire Ward.

When RADISH met... Laura Gibson