Christy Smith

 

Christy Smith

I was born and raised in a suburb of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania where I lived until the summer of 2005 when I moved to Tucson.  My life as a dancer began at the very young age of 2 when I told my mom “I want to do that” pointing at the TV.  I began dancing at Laura Lynn School of Dance where I competed in numerous competitions every year and won several awards.  In 1997 I received a dance workshop scholarship in ballet and recognition as an outstanding tap dancer from Dance Educators of America.  Although I was dancing there several times a week I still wanted more. So, I also attended Point Park University conservatory program for 5 years, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater for 1 year and La Roche College academy program for 2 years.  While at Point Park there were several performances each year, my favorite was going on tour performing the Nutcracker with a live orchestra.  During high school I was also on the dance team and in the school musicals where I was a captain and helped with choreography.  After high school I went to La Roche College where I majored in Dance-Concentration in Ballet and minored in Business.  It was here that I got my start teaching after a car accident in which I was injured.  I started teaching conservatory classes in ballet and went on to be hired by La Roche College where I became the assistant to the director of dance, Gerard Holt.  I held several positions including the dance minor’s principle instructor, rehearsal mistress, academy of dance instructor, production and stage manager.  I also returned to Laura Lynn School of Dance as a dance instructor as well as teaching at Tammy’s School of Dance, the Alpha School, Carnegie Performing Arts Center and Community College of Allegheny County.  I also performed with Ampersand Dance Theater and Carnegie Performing Arts Center. When I told my mom ‘I want to do that” she held back because she didn’t think at the age of 2 I really understood what it was I wanted, little did she know then that dance is my life and a true passion on mine.

Fun Facts about me:   
My middle name is LOVE
My favorite color is Blue
I love Disney Movies
I love crazy socks
I like watching Football- big Steelers Fan
Went through at least a year hating to go to ballet classes

My Favorite Quote: “Attitude is everything.  Can’t is not a word used in achieving success.”

I can't live without: 
My family and those who are as close as family, life is simply better with their love and support.  Moving, dancing, walking, playing- the idea of being unable to be active or to do any of those things, just couldn’t live without them

Why I dance and Teach:         
I love dancing, learning new dances, then getting on stage in front of everyone feeling all the emotions from excitement, pride, honor, joy, freedom, achievement, happiness and I just can’t stop smiling when I’m on stage.  Teaching has brought a whole different pleasure to my life.  It is so wonderful when I can share the happiness of dancing with others and they can share it with me.  I love when they finally get something they have been working for and they just light up… what a feeling to know you help them reach that moment.  I love teaching my students and they all are so special to me, even after my class time is over.