The pulsating beat of Michael Jackson’s “Blood on the Dance Floor” echoed through the dark Capitol Theatre as Lavelle Smith Jr. and the WKU Dance Company began the opening number of ‘Legacy in Motion.”
The production featured an in-depth interview with Smith, a widely acclaimed choreographer and dancer, segmented by dance interludes from members of the WKU Dance Company. The dances showcased a blend of Smith’s current and past choreography, many moves of which have been performed by world-renowned artists like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Mick Jagger and more.
Smith recounted his journey from a young and inexperienced student at Louisville’s Youth Performing Arts School to his later Hollywood career, where he worked as a professional dancer and choreographer for some of the world’s biggest stars.
At 21 years old, Smith choreographed Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” music video. He went on to produce various works with him and other stars, even traveling with Jackson during his 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
Over his career, Smith developed intimate friendships with many of the stars, reflecting upon their relationships as a key aspect in his personal and professional life.
“They always say ‘What do you miss about Michael?’” Smith said. “Obviously, creating. I miss that. But I just miss laughing and talking and sitting around doing nothing and talking about silly things.”
When asked what kind of topics the pair discussed, Smith said they always bonded over their families, specifically their love for their moms. He also laughingly remarked that there were many other conversations he couldn’t share out loud.
Smith took risks early in his life to pursue his passions. While initially considering attending college and even being offered full-ride scholarships to study at the University of Louisville and the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Smith ultimately decided to begin his career and pursue professional dance.
Smith said the journey was not without its difficulties. Upon moving to California, he recalled often hearing individuals poke fun at his Kentucky roots.
“I always felt like I had something to prove coming from Kentucky, not just to myself that it’s possible, but just to all the naysayers,” Smith said. “You know in the world, they’re out there and they’re loud, and your confidence and your ownership of who you are has to be loud.”
Despite the criticism, Smith expressed a strong sense of pride in his state. After his mother died in April 2025, Smith briefly considered leaving his hometown and moving across the world to Spain or Portugal. Finally, however, he decided to settle in Louisville. Reflecting upon the decision today, he said there is no place he’d rather be.
“When I land at Muhammad Ali International Airport after a job, I do this,” said Smith, smiling with his eyes closed before taking a deep breath.
Currently, Smith works with dance students all across Kentucky, one of the most recent being WKU’s Dance Company. The students spent around six hours with Smith to learn all four dances leading up to the event. As a group, they only had four rehearsals in total. Junior dance major Amaya Muse-Holt said the experience, while short-lived, was the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Just working with him was my favorite part,” Muse-Holt said. “Him setting the piece on us and correcting the movements, getting his insight and expertise was amazing.”
Smith’s over 30 years of industry experience heralded several insights regarding hard work, determination and self-worth. While discussing his love for dance, Smith emphasized that no passion should be pursued half-heartedly.
“Always, always try your hardest,” Smith said. “That way you have no regrets. You never want to wake up or think one day I could have, I should have. Give everything you have. What do you have to lose?”
