LaVelle Smith Jr is an Americanchoreographer and dancer. Known for his work in the music videos of singers such asEn Vogue,Michael Jackson,Janet Jackson andBeyoncé Knowles, Smith has won theMTV Video Music Award forBest Choreography five times.
Smith had originally wanted to pursue a career in drama, auditioning at theYouth Performing Arts School inLouisville, Kentucky. Upon failing the audition, Smith was given the option to study dance. Graduating from YPAS in 1983, Smith moved toChicago and was employed byGus Giordano in the dance troupeGiordano Jazz Dance Chicago.[1] Unhappy with the level of pay, Smith auditioned for numerous dancing roles, while facingracial prejudice. "When that happens, you realize that you have to be even better or move to L.A. where it doesn't matter," he said later.[1]
Noticed by singerMichael Jackson, Smith landed a job as a dancer before becoming his choreographer. Smith worked on three ofJackson's world tours;Bad,Dangerous andHIStory. He also worked as a choreographer inMichael Jackson's Ghosts,[1] and for the musicalThriller - Live.[2]
Smith appeared on the concert tours ofThe Rolling Stones,Diana Ross andJanet Jackson'sRhythm Nation 1814 Tour.[1] Smith also worked forVictoria Beckham after theSpice Girl made a return as a solo artist.[3]
Smith was awarded four MTV Video awards for co-choreographing En Vogue's music videos "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" (1992), "Free Your Mind" (1993), "Whatta Man" (1994) and Michael Jackson's duet with sister Janet, "Scream" (1995).[4] The music video forBeyoncé's "Crazy in Love" won Smith his fifthMTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography in 2003.[4]
His other awards include a SSDC Bob Fosse award and anEmmy award. Smith was also the youngest inductee into the Millers Gallery of Greats.[4]
Smith has choreographedInvincible: A Glorious Tribute To Michael Jackson featuring Jeffrey Perez and Pete Carter.[5]
Smith's work with Michael Jackson is the subject of the 2019 documentary filmThe Man Behind The Dance.[6]
In 2022, Smith appeared as a featured guest atKingvention, the annual Michael Jackson fan convention held in London.[7]
Moving fromLos Angeles, California back to Louisville, Kentucky in 2001, the choreographer wanted to get away from the expensive party lifestyle of the city and open up a Kebab shop called Hot Bitez. Michael Jackson's guitarist,Jennifer Batten also lives in the town.[1]