Kaitlyn Louise Smith

Kaitlyn is an NYC-based professional dancer, teaching artist, and choreographer with a BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance from Indiana University with over 10 years of experience in teaching dance for educational programs such as Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Muny Teens, and the National Dance Institute in New York City.  Additionally, she is an adjunct professor for Marymount Manhattan College and has taught for a number of college musical theatre programs including Manhattan School of Music, University of Wisconsin, Southwestern College, and Indiana University and adjudicated for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2024. She recently returned to NYC after being on the First National Tour of Mean Girls where she founded an advocacy initiative, @changeisfetch, which partnered with youth art organizations and schools to raise money and teach classes to support organizations including Most Valuable Kids, the Songs for Kids Foundation and The Fund for College Auditions. Kaitlyn is passionate about shaping the next generation of not only performers, but future audience members. As a teaching artist, her goal is to provide a safe and creative space and a dance education that is informed, inclusive, and most importantly enjoyed. She believes in the importance of mentorship, inspiration, and being a positive example. “If I can do it, you can too.” 

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Michael John LaChiusa said himself about her choreography, "I just caught a snippet of some of [her] fine work on HELLO AGAIN. I was truly moved by [her] understanding of what I was going for by calling the original musical a 'ballet with words.' I know that might sound a little pretentious to some, but not to those who love the dance. [She is] one who clearly loves the dance."