Meet One of the Honorees of MashUp’s 2024 “Exemplary Women in L.A. Dance” Award: Monika Felice Smith
MashUp invited the dance community to nominate women who have displayed inspirational and transformative leadership in the Los Angeles dance industry to receive special recognition, honor, and gratitude. Meet Monika Felice-Smith, one of 2024’s honorees!
We asked Monika to share a bit about her career journey, what dance means to her, what she envisions for dance in Los Angeles, and more. Thank you Kate for being a warm, supportive, inspiring force in this dance community!
Monika Felice Smith
Choreographer | Director | Creative director | Dancer
Co-Founder Lume Dance
Website: monikafelicesmith.com | lumedance.com
Social Media Handles: @monikafelicesmith
Can you share a bit about your personal dance journey, particularly as a professional in Los Angeles?
My journey has been a bit unconventional… I’ve certainly had my obstacles with mental health and body image as a dancer in the past. I took a big break away from it, received my degree in interior design from FIT in NYC and had no idea what I was doing with my life. The one thing I held true was my happiness; staying in touch with what presently brings me a sense of joy. Once I moved to LA, there was a moment that sparked to get back into a dance class with the intention of just having fun. That’s the moment my career path changed and I returned to it for the right reasons this time. With the awareness of my discomfort as the performer, I began creating and storytelling, using others as the vessel. Thus began my choreographic career and I never looked back!
Tell us about what you currently do in the industry.
I am a choreographer, movement director & performance coach and educator for artists, brands, tv & film.
In your opinion, why does dance matter?
Dance matters because it allows people the freedom of expression and to feel a strong mind-body connection unlike any other. Dance can tell stories without words and that’s my favorite part; making people feel by simply observing.
What excites you most about dance in LA right now?
I feel like the LA dance community is strengthening with each day, this excites me. Support in community is so important. This goes hand-in-hand with the safety of the industry. I feel there is a stirring awareness to creating safe and inclusive spaces in the classroom and on sets. I’m happy to be part of this movement.
What do you envision for the future of dance/dancers in LA?
I am looking forward to the concert and commercial realms continuing to merge. I feel that this is what creates some of the strongest works and I envision the continuation of this beautiful acquisition amongst both worlds.
How can people get involved and support that vision?
Continue to make good and honest work. Something that does not feel forced but comes from the heart. I also feel that collaboration with other artists can keep ideas fresh and exciting. Two creative minds putting in work, are more effective and efficient than one.