Inside Disney with Dancer Lindsey Smith: Part 1

Kelsey Glennon

Growing up, my first exposure to song and dance was through the beloved Disney films. I remember singing “Part of Your World,” into my toothbrush to a captive bathroom audience of one. Even my childhood Halloweens were characterized by Disney, including a turtleneck-wearing Princess Jasmine on one particularly chilly Halloween night. 

For most, we don’t expect our at-home performances to morph into a career… But that’s exactly what happened to Lindsey Smith. After spending her childhood creating dances to Disney soundtracks in her garage, Lindsey took the opportunity after college to dance in front of the Disney casting team. As a result of years of hard work, training, and dedication she secured herself a place at “Beauty and The Beast Live Onstage,” at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. 

Today Lindsey is a working dancer and choreographer. When not dancing at Disney, she is choreographing custom works for special events and theaters across the country. She is also passing down her experience and enthusiasm for the stage to aspiring young performers through Disney’s Youth Program Performing Arts Workshops®. 

Unfortunately for my toothbrush (and all those within earshot), Disney’s Performing Arts Workshops were not around when I was aspiring to be onstage. But today, theatre students have the opportunity to learn in an educational, supportive setting by applying to participate in Disney’s Youth Program Performing Arts Workshops®. Workshops of all kinds are on offer from dance to music to theatre, and are taught by working professionals like Lindsey Smith. For more information on Disney’s Performing Arts Workshops and how to apply, visit their FAQ page.

If you’re wondering how to turn your living room performances into a career, stay tuned for our next post. Lindsey answers our questions about her journey through theatre and dance. She also gives invaluable insight on how dance workshops, like those offered at Disney Performing Arts®, can enrich a theatre education. 

Until then, read below for Lindsey’s theatre credits and follow Lindsey on Instagram at @LindseyS.Dance.Session 

Lindsey D. Smith grew up dancing in Utah and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Utah with her BFA in Modern Dance.  While in college, she began her professional career at The Hale Centre Theatre where she performed in shows such as Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, Crazy For You, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.   She was a Rockette for five years and had the opportunity to perform in over 50 cities as well as at the Radio City Music Hall.  While living in New York, Lindsey danced on the Rachel Ray Show as well as with Liza Minnelli for the opening of the TV Land Awards. A proud member of Actors Equity, her regional credits include: 42nd Street and Will Rogers Follies at Pioneer Theatre. Lindsey now calls Orlando her home and has worked for Disney World as well as Universal Studios. Keeping herself busy she gigs, choreographs, and teaches for Metropolis Productions and recently staged her first TV special on PBS. At Walt Disney World, she is on the Choreographer Bench, teaching for Disney Performing Arts, and has been seen dancing in Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage as well as the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.