ABOUT
PERFORMING ARTIST
Jacq Smith (she/her) is a Vancouver-based artist whose dynamic performance ability, and versatile background, inform her work in dance, theatre, choreography, and film. Movement has been an integral part of Jacq’s life since the age of 4. She is a graduate of the Edmonton School of Ballet’s professional program, and has studied across Canada, embracing numerous styles of dance throughout her life. Jacq is consistently expanding her repertoire in the performing arts, including voice, acting, and circus. She has completed three artistic residencies with Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, studied with The Response Theatre Company, and House of Jazz London, and continues to develop her artistic voice through professional development.
As a performing artist, dance educator and choreographer, Jacq has worked across Canada on both large and small-scale productions, in a variety of disciplines, from contemporary dance to large-scale industrials, and musical theatre. Jacq is interested in reflecting the world we live in through her artistic practice. Her creation process brings images and ideas to life by connecting with audiences through real-life, story-driven material that challenges the performers and explores a variety of dynamics, textures and moods.
Select performance credits: Grease, West Side Story (CTORA), Singin in the Rain, Anything Goes (RCMT), six seasons with Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular (Razzle Dazzle Productions), Workspace III (the response.), Wizard of Oz (Gateway), Scarlett Entertainment, the short film longing/belonging, and the award-winning production of Crazy For You (Gateway).
Select choreography credits: Pippin (POW), Godspell (POW), Artist-in-Residence with Small Stage, Digital Creation Residency with Mascall Dance, UNDERTOW (Director/Choreographer); Illuminate (Director/Choreographer), guest choreography with Honey Dance Company, Shrek the Musical, and Cabaret (Assistant Choreographer – RCMT).
CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL
The beginnings of Jacq’s enthusiasm for design were rooted in her dance background. Jacq finds small details in garments the most interesting and believes this stems from her experiences as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. Every detail, every movement is important. How garments can create something new with the body, the way dance can, intrigues her. In order to explore her need to design and pursue a career in apparel, Jacq completed her education in fashion at Vancouver’s Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she received a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design & Technology.
Jacq has had the opportunity to be a part of the design process at the lululemon lab, and Karma Wear, and is currently working as a freelance Designer and Stylist (select clients: Capezio, lululemon, Ainsliewear, MPG Sport, Arts Umbrella Dance and more). Jacq loves being involved in the apparel industry. She strives to feel movement and energy in her work and appreciates garments are more than just something you wear.