Legacy in Motion: LaVelle Smith’s Dance Journey from Kentucky to Pop Icons - March 5, 2026 / Louisville, KY

Program

 

Featured Conversation & Performance InterludeS

6:30–8:00 PM / EST

Welcome 

LaVelle Smith Jr. in Conversation with Alice K. Alt

Special artistic moments celebrating movement, creativity, and Kentucky talent:

  • Words and Music by Michael Jackson
    © 1987 Mijac Music (BMI)

    Choreography    : LaVelle Smith Jr., David X. Thurmond

    Dancers: Louisville Ballet Studio Company with LaVelle Smith Jr.

    Louisville Ballet Artistic Director - Anthony Krutzkamp

    Louisville Ballet Studio Company Director - Jill Krutzkamp

    Louisville Ballet Senior Rehearsal Director  - Mikelle Bruzina


    Julia Enwright
    Emmaline Fontanilla
    Ez    ra Paisley
    Natalie Schreiner
    Marissa Soluri
    Gaven Stevens
    Joe He    nn
    Sarah Hutchison
    Ava Dhira Metzger
    Guinevere Nelson
    Abigail Wyrrick
    Athena King
    Eva Pregont
    Milo Sapien
    Ella White
    Samuel Blincoe
    Barbara Booth
    Ava Carroll
    Madison Dunham
    Addison Koerner

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

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr.

    Dancers: Crestview Studios and Keen Dance Theatre

    Crestview Studios

    Artistic Directors - Joshua Peñaflorida, Kaylee Plunkett

    Kaylee Plunkett
    Joshua Peñaflorida
    Dariel Vega
    Jose Brooks
    Daysia Cathey
    Luna Yung

    Keene Dance Theatre

    Artistic Director - John Keen

    Raevyn Allen
    Cailyn Gold
    Jaycie Leslie
    Ton’Niyah Martin
    Michaiah Peebles
    Jayla Ransom
    Kyree Whaley
    Khalia Williams

  • 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: Youth Performing Arts School 

    Department Chair - Lora Rutan

    Department Dance Educators - David Cesler, Kimberly Mansilla

    Addie Clark
    Erica Geer
    Daniah House
    Sophia Gonzalez Leal
    Samari Lasley
    Cadence Sanders
    Autumn Thonen Crime
    Kamern Glenn
    Ella Thomas 
    Matti Harrod

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

    Choreography: LaVelle Smith Jr., and David X. Thurmond

    Dancers: Entire Cast

    Louisville Ballet Studio Company

    Crestview Studios

    Keen Dance Theatre

    Youth Performing Arts School Dance Department

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

Presenting Sponsor

 

Student Program Sponsor

Bass Family Foundation
 

Post Reception Sponsor

Fifth Third Bank

Partners

Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts

Louisville Ballet

DuPont Manual | Youth Performing Arts Dancers

Keen Dance Theater

Crestview Studio

Barry Wooley Designs

Murray’s Creole Pub

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

Bellarmine University SuRF Center

Emily Werner - Director

Emma Pierce - Choreography Assistant

Sofia Garcon - Videographer

Trinity Howard - Videographer

About Kentucky to the World (KTW)

KTW elevates Kentucky’s story by spotlighting extraordinary people, ideas, and cultural excellence—strengthening pride of place, talent attraction, and statewide connection through education and storytelling.

Contact: contact@kentuckytotheworld.org | 682.478.7511 | Message