THE FOURTH POSITION
dance media + press
By: Lauren Berlin
dance storytelling education production
The Fourth Position is a digital dance media project rooted in South Florida and Philadelphia shaped by the rich cultures, communities, and creative lineages of both cities. We produce cinematic dance films that highlight expressive movers across a broad and inclusive spectrum of identities, traditions, and techniques—ranging from street and social forms to folk, classical, and contemporary practices.
Based in Philadelphia, our grassroots ensemble is committed to work that prioritizes emotional truth, narrative clarity, and cultural resonance over technical precision. Through intimate solos and small ensemble pieces, we celebrate dance as a pathway to human connection, resilience, and joy in all its simplicity and complexity.
dance reviews
email
inquiries:
fourthpos@gmail.com
NOW CASTING
Lauren Berlin
Founder & Creative Director
Lauren Wiles-Berlin is a Miami-born dance and film artist whose practice is informed by the cultural and environmental landscape of South Florida. She is currently based in Philadelphia. Wiles-Berlin received her foundational training at Boca Ballet Theatre and the Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts. She later earned a BA in English and Spanish from Florida Atlantic University, a combination of disciplines that continues to shape her work at the intersection of choreography, literacy, and narrative. An experienced educator and former English teacher, Wiles-Berlin has worked for more than a decade across literary and dance education. She served as the founding director of youth dance programs in Palm Beach County, where she choreographed over one hundred works for young dancers and developed curricula integrating technical training, writing, and creative inquiry. Her artistic perspective is influenced by the distinct ecological and cultural character of South Florida. Wiles-Berlin holds two master’s degrees in Education from the University of Florida and brings a student-centered, research-informed approach to both studio and classroom practice. In addition to her creative work, she contributes writing to thINKing Dance, Ballet Herald, and other Philadelphia-area platforms, engaging in critical dialogue around dance and dance media.
Mission
To celebrate movement as a transformative and connective force, providing a platform for diverse dancers, collaborative artists, and community engagement, and fostering joy, reflection, creativity, and emotional resonance in audiences of all ages.
Vision
To create a vibrant, inclusive, and emotionally rich digital space where dance and storytelling ignite curiosity, foster collaboration, and enrich communities, blending artistic experimentation with mentorship, education, and the celebration of human experience.
background
I am drawn to the alchemy of a great story— when words, movement, music, and images come together to transform simple moments into something extraordinary.
Growing up by the water in South Florida, steeped in surf culture, I have always felt a deep kinship with the ocean and the rhythms of nature.
I love playing with imagery and the subtle ways stories reveal themselves, capturing the magic in human connection.
Each project is an opportunity to explore transformation, to witness a moment of collaboration, to wonder, to dance, and to celebrate the stories that unite us.
