SUSANNAH SMITH WHITE: This Dancer's Life

Succinctly put, Susannah Smith White is a force of nature, the total embodiment of the adage about "great things coming in small packages." In fact, if the phrase hadn't become a cliché so long before her birth, I'd wager it was first uttered with her in mind.

Tremendously talented, completely focused and as lovely a person as you could ever hope to meet, Susannah Smith White is the latest focus of our This Dancer's Life feature, offering up plenty of information about what motivates her, what inspires her and what makes her one of Music City's best known dancers...and why she is, without any doubt and with no hesitation in making the statement, one of my favorites.

Read on, y'all and it all becomes very clear.

What was your first introduction to dance as an art form? Anyone who's been within earshot of me, may find it unbelievable that I was a very quiet and shy little girl, (due to under-developed eustachian tubes that created a temporary loss in hearing). In the midst of this my father was mounting an opera that would later tour as a musical and I remember watching the Ballet Mistress work with the company, and a light went on. Telling a story with your whole body, and becoming the story without even using words, was like being able to fly to me!

What was your first real job as a dancer? My first professional production job was a string of new musicals in development that were then shot as industrial films.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in dance? Looking back, I realize that not everyone grows up with a "walk-in costume closet" but I did and I'm thankful that the Arts were highly regarded. I think from what my parents modeled, the goal was to work hard and be a good steward of your gifts as a way of life. In that way, once the light bulb flicked on as a very young girl, I knew that it would always be a part of me.

Who is your dancing idol? Gelsey Kirkland and Mikhail Baryshnikov are two icons that I would watch nonstop, but my contemporary idol is Misty Copeland. She is trailblazing with such grace!

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? The community of artists here is so inspiring! Nashville is really a hotbed of creativity and music. I see huge potential for more dance to be used in collaborative efforts and for its growth and saturation in our theatre scene.

What is your dream role as a dancer? If you could dance any role, what would it be and why? Honestly my dream would be to originate a role! Along the way, I'd love to add Kathy Selden in Singin' In The Rain and Sally Bowles in Cabaret. They are both spirited, are looking for growth and get to use dancing, singing and acting, in classic Musical Theatre form.

What is the biggest spot on your resume? Well, all of my choreography credits have had to graduate onto its own resume! I'd say it is one of the languages I use to communicate in: 'Ography.

What role/works is your most favorite? Having danced on a stage that Agnes de Mille performed on was certainly a highlight! In terms of Nashville credits, the camaraderie and product of Guys And Dolls (HotBox Girl/Dance Captain) was a magical experience.

What's the biggest misconception people have about dancers? Their strength as athletes and aptitude as actors are often overlooked. The fact that many first rate actors come with a strong dance background shouldn't be a surprise. Dance is a discipline that creates body awareness at the cellular level and makes every movement come from an informed and authentic place.

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? Annaleigh Ashford has the right amount of chutzpah I think!

What's your favorite work created for dancers to perform? I love when innovative dance-language is used as the vehicle to drive the story further. Both Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography in Hamilton and Gene Kelly's Ballet Feature in An American In Paris, have impacted me in this way.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the world of dance, who would you choose and why? Michael Jackson. What can I say, but he was genius and a game changer. Gene Kelly was very intelligent, an athlete, made the ballet form commercially acceptable and elevated musical theater in Hollywood! I admire him and respect his talent and work ethic. Ann Reinking because, as a muse, a mother, a consummate professional and a committed educator, she really embodies what dance can do for the human spirit.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own dream...what would you say? Enjoy always having to start back at the barre. It's a profession that requires you to be an excellent beginner with every new project. I'd also say, be wise with all your resources, think in terms of longevity, develop a well-rounded and versatile skill set and your experience and body of work will speak for itself. Learn to say No to people and things that will drain you or put you at risk. Above all, never lose heart.

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