Dancer Spotlight: Catie Faye Smith
1. Tell us a little about your dance background, how long you have been dancing, and what inspired you to pursue ballet.
I’ve been dancing since I was three years old. Of course, there’s the pure joy of movement and the beautiful ideals of ballet specifically — but if I’m honest, I was also drawn to the glamour of being an artist. The ritual of preparing for class or a character, all those little moments that build up to a performance, have always fascinated me.
2. What are the specific challenges of portraying your character through dance in Little Women?
Amy is a very vocal person — she doesn’t “go quietly into that good” anything. Yet she’s also motivated to come off as “lady-like.” There’s a constant push-and-pull to her personality that’s fun to explore through movement.
3. Can you describe your favorite dance or scene in Little Women and what makes it unique to you?
I enjoy Amy’s “mad solo.” It’s a private moment that I get to share with the audience. Emma gave me great imagery cues and a bit of freedom to decide how to telegraph those emotions, which makes the scene feel very personal and alive each time.
4. How do you approach telling a story through dance movements and expressions?
It’s important to understand a character’s mannerisms — how they move and behave apart from the “script” of the choreography. Once I connect with that, I find my own musicality that matches the energy and rhythm of who she is in that moment.
5. Have you found similarities between yourself and the character you portray in the ballet?
Amy has ambition, but unlike Jo, she’s very socially conscientious about the standards of her society. This makes her a little neurotic, especially when she’s younger. That growth journey — from self-consciousness toward confidence — is definitely something I can relate to.
6. What message or emotion do you hope to convey to the audience through your performance?
My hope is always to be sincere within the world of my character — to make Amy’s feelings, choices, and flaws feel real.
7. How do you work with the choreographer and fellow dancers to convey the overall narrative of Little Women through your movements?
Emma’s way of telling this story is very earnest and heartfelt. Especially in my scenes with Chris, we focus on preserving those intentions and emotional truths — and try not to get too caught up in purely technical concerns.
8. What do you hope the audience takes away from the production after watching your performance in Little Women?
I hope people are inspired to read more, see more theater, and watch more ballet! Ballet — and art in general — has so much to offer in all the things that matter most: peace, love, and hope.
