As she twinkle-toed her way across stages in countries from France to Brazil to Japan, internationally lauded dance teacher and choreographer Joy Smith's moves have enraptured audiences in music videos, TV shows, and music tours. At her studio, Santa Cruz Dance Company, she strives to impart a similar passion for dance in students of all ages and abilities. She fosters an encouraging environment in which they can learn the steps and lay the foundations for a lifetime of fitness. Along with a team of instructors, she teaches budding performers the fundamental techniques of ballet, contemporary jazz, acrobatics, and musical theater. The instructors incorporate these techniques into choreographed dance pieces and help students learn to express themselves through the movements—a skill they can use to show their feelings about their favorite roller coaster being put to sleep.
She also calls on her years of dance experience to help whip adults into shape during Zumba classes, an effort which has earned her Good Times' award for Best Aerobic Instructor. As a master trainer, she fires up fitness dance parties with her easy-to-follow blend of aerobics and Latin dance. She takes her training a step further by certifying and licensing Zumba trainers throughout Northern California as a Zumba Education Specialist.
