If Devan Aischa Smith could describe the work on the world tour of pop star Olivia Rodrigo in a word, it would be “evolving”. As a dance captain, she turned alongside the show, learning and teacher a new choreography while the concept is concentrated.
No stranger to the lifestyle of the tour, Smith's past concerts include the world tour with Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani, as well as representations with Halsey and the Jonas Brothers. Its movement is clear and decisive, attracting the accent even in large groups of dancers.
Dance spirit Caught up with Smith to talk about the hearing process for guts, working with Rodrigo, his future dance plans, etc.
How she had the concert
After appearing with Rodrigo in his emblematic Saturday Night Live Performance promoting The Guts World Tour (you can only see the back of her head, but she is the red hair dancer), Smith was invited to audition. Later, she won the title of dance captain and, throughout the tour, was responsible for teaching the newly hired dancers to choreography and to help them settle in the routine. She accessed on the occasion, becoming like a big sister of her colleagues dancers who had never been on tour before. “It was a lesson and a privilege at the same time,” she says. “It's a great challenge.”
Put your foot in the door
Smith grew up dancing, applauding and twirling baton. She attributes part of her success to The Guts World Tour in her history as a competition dancer. The show strongly emphasized the quality of performance rather than technique, it was therefore important for dancers to be able to express a level of emotion that corresponded to the vulnerability of Rodrigo's words.
After moving to it to continue the postcollege dance, it took a long time to Smith to reserve her first concert, she said. She remembers the months spent hearing, driving hours to teach dance and sending her curriculum vitae before reserving her first role on Joy.
Regarding the hearing process often rich in rejection, Smith says: “There is so much more (about the cast) that we do not know or see. Never take no rejection of your value or talent. Know that the timing is what it is. Bring yourself and be the best version of yourself, but don't let yourself be carried away. ”
Tour training
According to Smith, the choreography of the guts began with a broad vision which was gradually repressed, landing somewhere honest and minimalist. What started as a common tour dance has become more based on movements and performance. The emotions and the narration through dance were two important skills that Smith and his colleagues dancers sharpened. “Everything has become this simplistic message of emotion and performance … (Facial care) were really important and (dance movements) have become very secondary to the message.”
Work with Rodrigo
According to Smith, Rodrigo is the perfect model for young women around the world: worker, kind and dedicated to his art. “She is so beautiful inside and outside: her heart, her work ethics, the way she connects with humans.”
Advice for budding dancers
Smith encourages dancers to train as many styles as possible because you never know what could be useful. Chameleon herself, it is proof that this method can lead to success. “Fill your bag with things.” Be ready for everything, everything, all things. Arrive the most authentic yourself. ” Smith also highlights the importance of saying yes to dance possibilities, even when they are not your dream work, because they will help you grow. “Progressed through this evolution towards this thing you want.”
Future dance plans
With his time difference in the international leg leg still, Smith is ready to come back there and continue to dance. His plan is to get new favorites and return to class. “It's a frightening but beautiful feeling. It's like a new start, a new start.”
Fast questions
Favorite prefabricated snack: Smith is vegan, so she has trouble finding reliable snack options. An espresso and sparkling water are its preshow necessities.
Impacts on stage: During a performance, Smith had hair in braids decorated with pearls. The braids were broken and the pearls went to fly everywhere at the end of Return it! Fortunately, nobody slipped them, and it was the last time Smith wore this hairstyle.
Favorite costume: The costume she was carrying Return it! It is a tank top with a teddy bear holding swords.
Guts favorite song: “Vampire”
Dance bag Essentials: The red lipstick, the compression sleeves for the flight, its newspaper (with colorful gel pens), the training bands, the headphones, the Tiger balm (the red) and a roller – not a muscle roll, a literal rollling intended for the dough it swears. “It really does the job.”
