Legacy in Motion: LaVelle Smith’s Dance Journey from Kentucky to Pop Icons - March 3, 2026 / Bowling Green, KY

Program

 

Featured Conversation & Performance InterludeS

6 - 7:30 PM / CST

Welcome 

LaVelle Smith Jr. in Conversation with Alice K. Alt

Special artistic moments celebrating movement, creativity, and Kentucky talent, WKU Dance Company:

  • By Michael Jackson
    Written, composed, and produced by Michael Jackson and Teddy Riley. 
    © 1997 Epic Records and MJJ Productions

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr., David X. Thurmond

    Dancers: WKU Dance Company Juniors & Seniors with LaVelle Smith Jr.

    WKU Dance Program, Department of Theatre & Dance

    WKU Dance Company Director – Amanda Clark

    WKU Dance Program Coordinators – Amanda Clark, Meghen McKinley

    Project Coordinator  - Meghen McKinley

    Rehearsal Assistant – Cadence Carr

    WKU Dance Company Junior/Senior Dancers:

    Rebecca Biggs
    Marissa Burch
    Cadence Carr
    Shelby Cooley
    Jake Dukes
    Caelen Gibbs
    McCaleb Hanks
    Abby Harper
    Elly Ireland
    Ella Claire Johns
    Darcy Mraz
    Amaya Muse-Holt
    Ashley Pattison
    Brinlee Price
    Sydney Railsback
    Carroll Ann Shackleford
    Tessie Townsend
    Hallie Williams

  • By Michael Jackson.
    Written by Michael Jackson, Bill Bottrell, and Teddy Riley.
    © 1991 MJJ Productions Inc. 

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr.

    Dancers: 

    Tessie Townsend
    Sydney Railsback
    Darcy Mraz
    Elly Ireland
    Ella Claire Johns
    Amaya Muse-Holt
    Ashley Pattison
    Carroll Ann Shackleford
    McCaleb Hanks

  • Song: Michael Jackson & Teddy Riley
    Story by: Michael Jackson, Stephen King, & Mick Garris
    Directed by: Stan Winston
    Score by: Nicholas Pike

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr., and Michael Jackson

    Dancers:

    Hallie Williams
    Abby Harper
    Caelen Gibbs
    Brinlee Price
    Jake Dukes
    Rebecca Biggs
    Shelby Cooley
    Marissa Burch

  • By Michael Jackson
    Written by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell
    © 1991 Mijac Music / Ignorant Music

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr., David X. Thurmond

    Dancers: Entire Cast of the WKU Dance Company

Audience Q&A

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Please include your first name. Questions may be edited for time and clarity.

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Thanks TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

Student Program Sponsor

Bass Family Foundation


Post Reception Sponsor

Fifth Third Bank

Partners

Western Kentucky University Dance Company

Warren County Public Library

The Capitol

Gatton Academy

Catering by Pennyroyal Market | Bartending by The Tipsy Filly

Performers

WKU Dance Company

A huge can-can kick thank you to LaVelle Smith Jr., Choreographer and David Thurmond, Kentucky to the World Education Consultant for their tireless work in creating choreography for Legacy in Motion: LaVelle Smith Jr.’s Dance Journey from Kentucky to Pop Icons.

 

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