“Changing Channels” – MFA Thesis Dance Concert by Lauren Blair Smith

The Department of Dance proudly presents Changing Channels, an innovative and original dance thesis concert directed and choreographed by Master of Fine Arts in Dance candidate Lauren Blair Smith. Performances will be held on September 18 and 19 at 7:30pm.

Admission to the event is free. Tickets will be available at the door starting one hour prior to each show, with doors opening 30 minutes before showtime each night.

Changing Channels explores the psychological and physical experience of code-switching through a dynamic blend of contemporary choreography, original music production by Singaporean producer Alif Aircho, and multimedia elements. Using the metaphor of switching television channels, this performance navigates different emotional states, societal expectations, and the complex journey of identity.

Changing Channels is supported in part through the EXCEL Enterprise Fund, SMTD Wellness Program, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives, and William Braddan McClellan, Jr. Fund in Dance. This concert is being held in partial fulfillment of the Master of Fine Arts in Dance degree requirements.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

LAUREN BLAIR SMITH (Director & Choreographer) is a professional performing artist, producer, choreographer, and the very proud founder and artistic director of Lauren Blair Smith Dance Company in Singapore where she mentors, assists, and, most importantly, participates in the development and joy of young aspiring artists. Lauren is the 2024 Maggie Allesee Choreography Award Winner in Screendance and has been a finalist for multiple years.

Lauren holds a BFA in Contemporary Dance with a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and is currently pursuing her MFA from the University of Michigan. Lauren is a Kenan Fellow at Lincoln Center Education, an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher, an Ailey Certified Teacher, and founder of Singapore Dance Intensive.

Lauren performed on the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof in over 400 performances in over 100 cities across North America. She promoted wellness through movement (as a certified Pilates instructor) at venues including Marina Bay Sands, Artyzen Singapore, Parkroyal Collection Pickering, and The American Club Singapore. Lauren’s choreography has been featured in the US, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Portugal, and Australia and has received prestigious recognition from international festivals. Lauren has also enjoyed successful collaborations with organizations such as Panasonic, Google, Jewel Changi Airport, TEDx Procter & Gamble, Certis Group, X System International, and Singapore American School.

www.laurenblairsmith.com