China Smith is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Ballet Afrique, a professional contemporary dance company that employs a synthesis of ballet, modern, and African traditional movement.
Growing up, China was a track star. However, a devastating injury during her senior year in high school forced her to find a new passion to pursue. She eventually fell in love with dance and started Ballet Afrique in 2008.
In our conversation today, China shares how she made that transition from track star to dancer. She looks back on the very first class that Ballet Afrique ever put on and how it grew from there. China also talks about an important new project that just got underway for the company.
To learn more about China and Ballet Afrique, check out their website below:
https://balletafriqueaustin.org/
