Legacy in Motion: A Night with LaVelle Smith

Louisville native LaVelle Smith has had an illustrious career as a dancer and choreographer, working with iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, and The Rolling Stones. His creative partnership with Michael Jackson spanned over two decades, starting in the late 1980s when Smith auditioned for a music video without knowing the artist's identity. He went on to join Jackson on his major solo concert tours and was set to perform with him on the This Is It residency in London before Jackson's untimely death in 2009.

Smith's dance journey began in Louisville, where he was inspired by shows like the Carol Burnett Show and the Ernie Flatt dancers. He honed his skills at Louisville's Youth Performing Arts School before moving to Chicago at age 17 to pursue dance professionally. From there, he made his way to Los Angeles, where he danced for Diana Ross and eventually transitioned into choreography, winning accolades like the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography for En Vogue's "You're Never Gonna Get It" music video.

Now back in Louisville, Smith travels the world conducting workshops and teaching aspiring dancers his signature moves. He will be showcasing his story through dance and conversation in a special one-night performance in partnership with Kentucky to the World. The event, titled "Legacy in Motion," will take place at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday night, featuring a public reception, a show in the Bomhard Theater, and an after-party in the Lexus Lounge sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. This event is a celebration of Smith's remarkable career and the impact he has had on the world of dance.