Charlene "Chi-Chi" Smith 

 

" I teach because I have a gift that I was given, and I believe the only true way to honor that gift is to share it with others. I particularly prefer to share my gift with disadvantaged youth, because speaking from personal experience, I know they benefit the most from it. 

 

  The Arts make a big difference in the quality of our lives, especially in the lives of youth who are left to dream of a better life than the one that they currently have. Exchanging gifts (because I'm not only giving, I'm receiving as well), brings an attainability to their lifelong goals and dreams"

 

Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smith continues to soar in the Entertainment Industry. Since her professional debut in 2005, she has performed with both new and major artists under the works of acclaimed choreographers: Hi-Hat, Fatima Robinson, Jamaica Craft, Buddha Stretch, Adesola Osakalumi, Laurie-Ann Gibson, Nu Stylz, Wayne Cilento and many others. 

One decade later, Chi-Chi has been blessed to work with/dance alongside some of the world’s top artists such as: Salt n Pepa, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Diddy, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg and most recently, roller skating with Gloria Gaynor on NBC's Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris. Very early in her entertainment career, Chi-Chi was a featured model on BET’s Rip The Runway for Michael Jordan’s female clothing line, co-instructor on MTV’s Dances From the Hood with Tweetie, and is steadily seen as featured talent, and more recently, leading roles in international, national, regional, and internet commercials such as Playtex Bras, Verizon FiOS, Nair, American Airlines, Mohegan Sun, Ipod, and Stride Gum as well as a staple on seasons 7-9 of America’s Got Talent, dancing alongside the contestants. 

Chi-Chi made her Broadway Debut in 2014 in "Holler If Ya Hear Me" using the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur, directed by Kenny Leon. Her film credits include Walt Disney Pictures' “Old Dogs” with Robin Williams and John Travolta and Annie (2014) featuring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz.

Chi-Chi titles her classes "Groove Theory" which covers the foundations of Hip-Hop dance. She teaches classes for adults and children ages 8 and up. She encourages all to keep grooving, for without the groove there is no dance.

 

-dancechiinc.wix.com/callmechichi

 

Programs Visited:

NIÑOS Y NIÑAS DE CRISTO in La Romana, Dominican Republic

BAILAMOR – Hip-Hop Dance Workshop – Donated Music

November 2015 & 2016