Humans first, Dancers 2nd: Creating Genuine Connections -- with Monika Felice Smith

Ohh man I loved this conversation with Monika Felice Smith. She is such a positive light and we talk a lot about who we want to work with in the industry and gravitating towards the right people. Once you find your people, it just clicks. MNTR MGMTWebsite@mntr.mgmt@justinementerMonika Felice SmithWebsite@monikafelicesmithMONIKA FELICE SMITH is a professional choreographer, director, movement coach, & dancer from NY, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Having transitioned to the contemporary & commercial hip hop world from classical ballet & pointe, her choreography blends a fusion of both technical contemporary & hiphop vibes. Today, Monika’s credits include choreography & movement direction for artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, FINNEAS, Bebe Rexha, Bella Poarch, Alessia Cara, One Republic, Twenty One Pilots, Ashe, Young Thug, Gunna, Sam Fischer, Woosung, Audrey Mika, Lennon Stella, Wengie (Wraya), Ingrid Andress, Jessie Murph, Sky Katz (Disney), Jvke, Citizen Queen, Brynn Elliott, Waze & Odyssey, Samm Henshaw, Karina Sofia, Cloe Wilder, Stalking Gia, and Adam Melchor. Monika has been shouted out by Justin Timberlake as 'One to watch'. Her work can be seen in the feature films The Relationtrip, Pivot, and Lunch Ladies. As a movement director & choreographer, her work includes ads/commercials such as Lululemon, Spyder Athletics for Milan Virtual Fashion Week, Nike/Jordan Brand for Teyana Taylor, JustFab & Fabletics for Kelly Rowland & Liza Koshy, Flaunt Magazine Cover Shoot for Joey King & Maude Apatow, Oculus VR, Sift Science Technology, ADAY & Sans Gene.Monika’s work has been awarded the World Choreography Award for “Best Choreography in a Commercial” for Spyder Korea; nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for FINNEAS’ Let’s Fall In Love For The Night for “Best Alternative Music Video”, as well as UKMVA nomination for “Best Choreography in a Video” & “Best Dance/Electronic” for Waze & Odyssey, Tommy Theo, George Michael & Mary J. Blige’s Always. Monika and the production team were winners of the “How The Hell Did They Do That?” for Always MV at SXSW 2021. Monika’s dance credits include Paramount Network’s Michael Jackson’s Lip Sync Battle Live Tribute, Spyder Athletics for Milan & NYC Fashion Week 2020 & NY Virtual Fashion Week 2021, music videos with artists such as Meghan Trainor, Jeremih, Jay Rock, Elle King & Sam Fischer, also dancing in commercials such as PRISM for SnapChat and performing at the Staples Center as a member of the WNBA Sparks Crew.Monika is the founder & director of LUME Dance, alongside choreographer & business partner MaryAnHey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/SupporterConnect with me on Insta @mntr.mgmt