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Monika Felice Smith
Contemporary
Biography:
Monika is a professional choreographer, movement
coach &
dancer from NY, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Having
transitioned to the
contemporary & commercial hiphop world
from classical ballet & pointe, her choreography blends a fusion of
both technical
contemporary & hiphop vibes.
Born with an unusual developmental defect in her hips the doctors
would never
have predicted “dancer” as her career choice, but Monika is not
one
to take the
opinion of others as the final word. With
the help of her amazing family, modern medicine and the fire of
determination,
she beat the odds.
Today, Monika is the Co-Director for Willdabeast & Janelle
Ginestra-
Adams &
MaryAnn Chavez's Contemporary Company, IMMAbreathe.
Monika’s story telling includes choreographing for music videos
with
artists such
as FINNEAS O’Connell, Samm Henshaw, Adam Melchor & feature
films like The
Relationtrip; Movement Coaching for
ads/commercials such as Nike/Jordan Brand, Fabletics for Kelly
Rowland, Sift
Science, ADAY sustainable clothing & MeYou London, live stage
musicals, and
teaching master classes & workshops.
Monika’s dance credits include Michael Jackson’s Lip Sync Battle
Live Tribute on
the Paramount Network, music videos with artists such as Meghan
Trainor,
Jeremih, Jay Rock & Elle King, also dancing at
the Staples Center as a member of the WNBA Sparks Crew.
Monika's
work has
been shouted out by Justin Timberlake as 'One to watch'. She
works
regularly
developing musical artists, choreographing
their stage sets, music videos and social content. Her choreo has
been featured in
the industry's longest running showcase, Choreographer's
Carnival
Ball at the
legendary Avalon in Hollywood, as well
as LA's Premier Showcase, Club Jete at Rage Night Club. Her
stage
work has been
nominated for "Outstanding Choreography", "Best Choreography"
&
was awarded
"Outstanding Production" at the
National Youth Theatre Awards & the JRAY Awards.
Monika's strength lies in story telling; fusing movement with
intention
& raw
emotion. She enjoys playing with shape, texture and musicality,
while
grounding
her choreography with technical
elements. Monika is excited to share and instill her love of
movement
with all
audiences in all forms.