For some, it’s a hobby and for many, it’s a great workout. For Joshua Smith, dance is life. It’s not only his outlet but as Chris Brown’s choreographer, it’s his career. We took some time out to talk to Josh about what inspires him, his career, and what it’s like working with our generation’s biggest stars.

What inspires you to dance? What should the audience take away, interpretation or a message you wish to convey?

Josh Smith: Life experience inspires me to dance. I love incorporating my reality into my choreography. Those around me and my environment help influence my movement- whether it’s art, culture or people, it’s all about perspective and what it brings to your art on a personal level.

Imagine you can go back in time. What advice would you had given your “younger self”?

I would tell my younger self to be the best you and work hard. Don’t rush trying to be “the best”. Everything takes time.

I have to know what your reaction and your feelings were when you were called to work with Chris Brown.

When I received the call to work for Chris Brown, I felt the most obvious- shocked. But beyond that, I felt honored, nervous, unsure, and yet excited all at the same time. One thing I can say is that I was up for the challenge. I was ecstatic and ready for this new journey with an amazing, historical artist who, unbeknownst to me, transcended the way in which I looked at choreography.

What did you discover about the industry that you would want aspiring dancers to know?

What I discovered about the industry that dancers should know is to be YOURSELF. So often, dancers feel like they have to conform to a certain aesthetic in order to reach their goals. In reality, you’ll go further being yourself. People can feel realness and authenticity more than they can feel imitation.
 
There must be many but what was the most memorable experience you had on tour?
My most memorable experience on the Party Tour would be seeing my vision come to life each and every night. As simple as it may sound, I felt proud and humbled to see one of the largest artists of our generation perform in the very show I helped create.
Which dance routine was your most challenging? Do you have a favorite?

My favorite routine and, by far, the most challenging is when I worked with Usher for the “Caught Up” video. There’s no one choreographing that style anymore. It pushed me to move my body in a fashion most people don’t embody nowadays. A huge plus is the song is great.

Do you have favorite personal quotes you either heard or have made yourself?

My favorite quote that continues to inspire me is “I am a masterpiece trying to master piece.” I think it’s pretty self explanatory.

We want to know something that NO ONE knows so can you give us some little known facts about yourself?

Little known facts about Joshua Smith:

-I have a twin brother
-I was on the drum line in high school
-Most people think I’m from Atlanta, but I was born and raised in Durham “Bull City”, North Carolina
What is something that keeps you strong when things get difficult?
Some of the things that keep me going during pressing moments are my faith in God, my son, and my family. The three keep me grounded and remind me of the “why” in my life.
I’m a big foodie so I have to ask. Do you remember a meal you enjoyed on tour that made you want to stay in that city?
My best meal on tour that made me second guess getting back on the bus to head to the next city came from New Orleans. The gumbo, the crab and the beignets from Café Du Monde… all of it puts you in the best food coma of your life.
Follow Josh on Social Media:
IG: @dancer_boysmith
Interview by Hope Alyssa

IG: @foodhopeandlove
Twitter: @TheHopeAlyssa

Email: foodhopeandlove@gmail.com