LaVelle Smith Jr. facts for kids

LaVelle Smith Jr is a famous American choreographer and dancer. A choreographer is someone who creates and arranges dance moves, often for music videos, concerts, or shows. LaVelle Smith Jr. is well-known for his amazing work with big music stars like En Vogue, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé Knowles. He has won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography five times, which is a huge achievement!

About LaVelle Smith Jr.

LaVelle Smith Jr. first dreamed of being an actor. He tried out for the drama program at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, Kentucky. When he didn't get in for drama, he was offered a chance to study dance instead. This turned out to be a great path for him!

Starting His Dance Journey

After finishing school in 1983, LaVelle moved to Chicago. There, he joined a dance group called Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, led by Gus Giordano. Even though he was dancing, he wasn't happy with how much he was paid. He tried out for many other dance jobs. Sometimes, he faced unfair treatment because of his race. He later said that these challenges made him realize he had to be even better to succeed.

Working with Music Legends

LaVelle Smith Jr.'s talent was noticed by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. LaVelle first worked as a dancer for Michael Jackson. Soon after, he became Michael's main choreographer. He helped create the dances for three of Michael Jackson's huge world tours: the Bad, Dangerous, and HIStory tours. He also choreographed for the movie Michael Jackson's Ghosts and the musical Thriller - Live.

LaVelle also worked with other legendary artists. He choreographed for The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, and Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 Tour. He even worked with Victoria Beckham when the former Spice Girl started her solo music career.

Award-Winning Choreography

LaVelle Smith Jr. has won many awards for his incredible dance creations. He received four MTV Video Music Awards for his work on music videos by En Vogue: "My Lovin'" (in 1992), "Free Your Mind" (in 1993), and "Whatta Man" (in 1994). He also won for Michael Jackson's duet with his sister Janet, "Scream" (in 1995).

In 2003, he won his fifth MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography for Beyoncé's hit song "Crazy in Love." Besides MTV awards, he has also won a SSDC Bob Fosse award and an Emmy award. He was also the youngest person ever to be included in the Millers Gallery of Greats.

Personal Life

In 2001, LaVelle Smith Jr. decided to move from Los Angeles, California to South Shields, England. He wanted a quieter life away from the busy and expensive city. In his free time, LaVelle loves to inspire young people. He teaches a free dance class at the Home of the Innocents. He offers these classes for free because he remembers not being able to afford dance lessons when he was young. He hopes to inspire kids and show them that many opportunities are out there if they follow their dreams.