Lauren Gottlieb’s Unforgettable Rome Birthday
Bollywood’s favorite dancer rejoices with family amid Italian streets and scenic sunsets!!

Image: Instagram
In her latest Instagram carousel post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLAPK70ztBc/), Lauren Gottlieb marked her 35th birthday in Rome, serenaded by loved ones and the city’s ancient monuments. The American-born dancer and actress, celebrated for her top-10 finish on So You Think You Can Dance and leading roles in Bollywood hits like ABCD: Any Body Can Dance, offered fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at her milestone celebration. Under the caption “The most unforgettable Birthday in Rome with all my closest family and friends 😍🙏💖 Dreams really coming true!!! 🎂🥳,” she shared a series of images that perfectly blend festivity with history.
Celebrations Under The Italian Sky
A highlight shot shows Gottlieb perched on a rustic bench at a trattoria near Piazza Navona, candlelight flickering across her laughter-filled face as she makes a wish. Another photo captures her cutting into a three-tiered cream cake topped with fresh flowers, surrounded by her brother Matt Gottlieb, fellow dancers Shruti Modi and Aaron Mistry, and a few close relatives flown in from Los Angeles. The mosaic of terracotta rooftops and the silhouette of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background remind us that every toast was framed by centuries of culture.
Trip Highlights
This birthday fiesta capped off a week of Roman exploration. In a preceding post titled “The start of a magical trip in Rome ❤️🍝” (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK86i-bz4Rv/), Gottlieb teased the adventure with images of twirling fettuccine alfredo and the Colosseum awash in twilight. Midway through the trip, she posted a selfie at the Trevi Fountain, tossing a coin over her shoulder to seal her return, and an early-morning snap from Vatican City’s Saint Peter’s Square. She even squeezed in a late-night gelato session in Trastevere, where passersby cheered on her impromptu spin move on a cobblestone lane.
Family And Friends
The guest list was an eclectic mix of film and dance community insiders. Bollywood dancer-turned-actor Vaani Kapoor sent a personalized video message, while choreographer Raghav Juyal flew in to perform a surprise routine. Gottlieb’s longtime mentor from SYTYCD, Travis Wall, joined via FaceTime, earning an affectionate shout-out in her Stories. In one touching moment, Lauren posted a carousel image of her parents embracing her from behind against the backdrop of a centuries-old fountain, a testament to the personal warmth she values offstage.
Career Reflections
Gottlieb’s journey from suburban Phoenix to Bollywood’s dance floors has been anything but ordinary. After training at Jazz Unlimited and securing a spot on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance in 2009, she relocated to Mumbai, quickly booking roles in Remo D’Souza’s ABCD franchise. Her on-screen chemistry in 2013’s ABCD: Any Body Can Dance propelled her into the Indian film spotlight, leading to further projects like ABCD 2 and the reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Off-camera, she founded a dance troupe that tours India annually, mentoring the next generation of performers.
Behind The Lens
Gottlieb’s posts also shine a light on her skill as a visual storyteller. She shot many of the Rome snaps herself, framing sun-dappled alleys and candlelit dinners with an eye for warm tones and candid smiles. Fans have noted that the grainy, film-like filter she uses mirrors the aesthetic of vintage postcards, adding an air of timelessness to her celebrations. The intentional editing choices underscore her creative instincts beyond choreography.
Looking Ahead
As the final photo in the carousel fades into twilight, we see Lauren silhouetted on the Spanish Steps, arms raised toward the skyline as if embracing her next chapter. In her caption, she hinted at more travel, simply writing “Ready for Act II.” With projects in the pipeline — including a rumored appearance in a major Netflix dance docuseries — fans can expect her calendar to stay as vibrant as her Roman evenings. For now, however, Gottlieb’s Roman birthday bash stands as a testament to her global journey: a celebration that marries her American roots, Bollywood acclaim, and an enduring love affair with Italy’s eternal city.

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