Larsen Thompson / The (Dance Dance) Revolution Will Not Be Televised

MAGDA BUTRYM jacket and PANDORA ring and necklace with charms.

If ever there were a time for a dynamic mix of skills that might propel you into tomorrow, it’s now. Consider 19-year-old Larsen Thompson, a triple-threat entertainer who dances, acts, and models—and still manages to find time to focus on each of her gifts amidst the confusion and chaos of quarantine. Thompson began dancing at age four—her career taking off following her choreographed rendition of “Run the World (Girls)” that went viral in mere hours, reshared, of course, by Queen Bey herself.

“At the time,” says Thompson over Zoom following her photoshoot in Downtown LA, “dance concept videos weren’t a huge thing. It allowed storytelling through a video. For this one, we really wanted to spread the word of women empowerment, and it was an overnight success. It felt insane. What we really wanted from the video was to impact people.”

Thompson’s been featured in various celebrity music videos since, including Katy Perry’s “Chained to the Rhythm” and Pink’s “Beautiful Trauma.” “Dancing led me into doing music videos,” she admits. “I get to take the vision of what the artist has and express it through my movement.”

LOUIS VUITTON dress, SIMON MILLER shoes, and PANDORA rings.

GIVENCHY top and skirt and PANDORA necklaces.

Along the way, Thompson has modeled for numerous high-profile brands like Dior, Fendi, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Betsey Johnson, and a new campaign with Pandora Jewelry. Gracing these fashion campaigns was no easy feat, but it was enhanced with the integration of her physical skills and movement into the campaign poses. “It’s cool to see how it has all crossed over,” she reflects. “I was able to fuse my dance into my modeling. Fashion was something I always was in love with, especially since my mom owned a clothing store. I like to take risks when it comes to fashion. I want everything I wear to reflect my personality, and to explore, in wearing bright colors and funny things.”

What’s next for Thompson? A mounting proliferation into the acting world for one. Her recently released indie film, Pearl, tackles the topics of grief and familial relationships when Thompson’s character, Pearl, grapples with the loss of her mother and connects with a film director, played by Anthony LaPaglia, who could possibly be her biological father. “Pearl tells the story of a young girl and the trauma she goes through,” she shares. “I feel it brings healing to people who have experienced loss and how to endure the pain, especially as a teenager. It focuses on seeing past the trauma and gives a glimpse into the newfound relationship that comes into the life of a young girl. I channeled the loss of the pain I felt from losing my grandparents in portraying Pearl—they were like my second parents.”

Thompson is primarily focused on the future of her budding career in acting, but she also hints at a possible foray into the music industry. “I’m taking time now to focus on acting and music,” she says. “With my music, I want everything I believe in to come through. My first song will be about girls finding their inner beauty and being happy with themselves.”

LOUIS VUITTON dress and PANDORA earrings and rings.

GIVENCHY dress, SIMON MILLER boots, and PANDORA bracelets.

Despite the prevailing intertwinement of her various talents and focuses that keep her perpetually busy, Thompson maintains that the chaos in her life relies on the moments of calm she finds in spending time with her family, allowing her to slow down and self-reflect. “I think chaos and calm are codependent,” she explains. “I think in the chaos you realize where you need to take a step back. The chaos opens up your eyes to finding the moments when you can be calm, especially in self-reflection. Quarantine has allowed me to have time to relax. I’ve been doing puzzles and going on walks with my family. They’re my support system, and my brothers are honestly my best friends.”

She continues that the simultaneous, ongoing experience of social unrest in the Black Lives Matter movement has extended a unique opportunity for her as a social influencer—using her platforms to spread positivity. “I think these past few months have presented an opportunity to use social media for good,” she explains. “I’ve been trying to bring social awareness on my platform, and to focus on what matters.”

Despite cherishing the slices of serenity she seizes in the ongoing hustle-and-bustle, it’s clear Thompson’s accomplishments are only beginning, the opportunities are endless, and she’ll likely dance her way there, on or off camera.

SIMON MILLER jacket and PANDORA necklaces.

Written by Joshen Mantai

Photographed by Mason Poole

Styled by Chris Horan

Hair: Nathaniel Dezan at Opus Beauty using Bumble and Bumble

Makeup: Raoul Alejandre at Opus Beauty using Chanel Les Beiges

Location: Frankie Event Space