On July 1, 1966, 8 dancers that were handpicked by the Rockefeller Foundation sat down to begin to figure out how to complete the ambitious task of creating the first successful modern dance company in the country. Linda C. Smith shares the experience of being part of that process.
About Linda C Smith:
A native of Utah, Linda began her career in dance at the age of four with Virginia Tanner’s Children’s Dance Theatre. In 1966 she become a founding member of Repertory Dance Theatre where she fulfilled her dream of becoming a performer, teacher, choreographer, writer, producer and eventually, in 1983, the Artistic Director for the company.
Her pursuits have led to the development of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, to the establishment of the RDT Community School, to providing commissions for established and emerging choreographers, and to the creation of multi-disciplinary activities that focus on the dance history, the environment, social issues, multi-ethnic history, sustainability and community. Linda’s performing experience spans over 90 works. She has taught in over 1000 schools bringing the magic of dance to students and teachers with her unique demonstrations, lectures, classes and professional development workshops. She is most at home encouraging audiences of all ages to imagine, create and communicate with the language of movement.
Smith actuates RDT’s vision and aesthetic values to insure that artistic vibrancy drives RDT initiatives, educational programs, and performances. She cultivates dancers as artists, innovators, and company stewards to serve as role models when teaching youth of all ages/abilities in school/community settings.
Linda is a graduate and an Adjunct Associate Professor of dance at the University of Utah and is a certified Movement Specialist in the Utah Artists-in-Education Program.
Media & Awards:
2013 - Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce "Honors in the Arts"
2014 - Outstanding Achievement Award in Art from the YMCA
2018 - 15 Bytes - One of Utah's 15 most influential artists
2019 - A Woman to Watch, one of 30 Utah Visionaries
2019 - Utah Nonprofits Association Outstanding Nonprofit Leader of the Year
2020 - Cathedral of the Madeleine - Madeleine Award for Arts and Humanities