Washington, DC - Apr 7, 2025 - Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado, a former diplomat, presidential appointee, and an advocate for inclusion in the arts and international affairs, shares the relevance of her memoir, Dancing in the Dash: My Story of Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Resilience (Bold Story Press). This compelling narrative weaves together her trailblazing career in international trade, cultural diplomacy, and ballet, offering readers a unique perspective on resilience, economic empowerment, creativity, and leadership.
From Ballet Barres to Global Stages
Fitz-Pegado’s journey spans continents and careers. A Washington, DC native, she began as a young dancer trained at the Jones-Haywood School of Dance, performing with the Capitol Ballet, Vassar Repertory Dance Theatre, and Ballet Santo Domingo. Her acquired discipline and grace became the foundation for her later achievements as a Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce under Ron Brown in the Clinton Administration, and corporate executive at international firms such as Hill and Knowlton and Iridium, LLC.
“Ballet instilled in me perseverance and poise—skills that guided me through the rigors of diplomacy and boardrooms,” says Fitz-Pegado. “I wrote this book to demonstrate how creativity and passion can anchor a life of service and impact.”
A Memoir of Firsts and Breaking Barriers
Dancing in the Dash chronicles Fitz-Pegado’s groundbreaking roles, including her Senate-confirmed appointment as Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, where she managed personnel and programs in 220 offices worldwide. Her current work continues to break barriers as co-founder of Beyond the Ballet Barre (BTBB), a nonprofit expanding education, exposure, and opportunities for underrepresented ballet teachers and students from the Washington, DC area, locally and globally. Her multicultural heritage and experiences enhanced her journey..
Themes of Inclusion, Art, and Global Citizenship
The memoir resonates with themes of empowerment, cultural and commercial diplomacy, and the intersection of the creative sector and international policy. Fitz-Pegado’s advocacy for expanding inclusion of underrepresented communities in international affairs and the arts exemplifies the benefits of door opening strategies.
Pandemic Persistence and Hybrid Publishing Success
Despite covid-era challenges in traditional publishing, Fitz-Pegado partnered with Bold Story Press, a hybrid publisher, to bring her compelling story to life. “COVID gave me the space to refine my manuscript,” she notes. “It’s a testament to adapting—a skill I honed in both ballet and diplomacy.”
What’s Next?
Fitz-Pegado is now exploring the experiences of dancers and athletes, “beyond the barre AND beyond the ball,” both similarities and disparities of professional athletes and dancers in training, compensation, and career trajectories. Simultaneously she is teaching ballet, directing her nonprofit and mentoring She is a trustee on the boards of The Washington Ballet, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training.
Quotable
“The ‘dash’ between the dates of our birth and passing is where we make our mark in life. Mine has been filled with purpose and passion—from advocating for global cultural and commercial interests, to ensuring that all young dancers can contribute to the evolution of ballet both backstage and on stage.” – Lauri Fitz-Pegado
Book Details & Availability
Dancing in the Dash is available for purchase on major platforms, including Amazon and Audible, and Barnes & Noble. For interviews, speaking engagements, or review copies, contact lauri@inthedash.live
Connect with Lauri
Websites: https://inthedash.live | https://beyondtheballetbarre.live
Social Media: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Media Kit: Linktree
About the Author
Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado (BA, Vassar; MA, Johns Hopkins SAIS) is a Phi Beta Kappa inductee, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the International Women's Forum. She is an advocate for inclusion–engaging the talent, expertise and experiences of all in the arts and foreign policy. A mother and grandmother of family in Scotland and Angola, she understands the importance of effective communication among global communities.
Media Contact
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Contact Person: Lauri J. Fitz-Pegado
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Country: United States
Website: https://inthedash.live/
