Smith finds her passion in art, her calling in science

Published 2:12 pm Friday, June 10, 2011

Although she’s studied performing arts for years, Jordan Smith doesn’t consider herself a dancer.

“I think of myself more as an artist,” she said.  “I take the music and create a story with my movements onstage, like an artist paints a picture for people to see.”

The Pell City High School graduate plans to continue perfecting her art at college, having accepted a full dance scholarship to Southern Union in Wadley.  From there, she hopes to transfer to pharmacy school at Auburn.

Taking a break during dance class at Starrz Performing Arts Centre, where she’s trained since she was in third grade, Smith recalled her first dance performance, explaining how dance has helped her become a more disciplined person and why she wants to be a pharmacist.

Family and school:  She is the daughter of Gary and Janet Smith.  At PCHS, she was SGA vice president, a member of the basketball dance team and Key Club, and an honors graduate.

Her first time on stage:  “It was a recital in third grade.  I did a jazz dance to ‘Burnin’ Love.’  It was very odd for me.  I was very shy and overwhelmed and excited at the same time.  But there’s no greater feeling than having all eyes on you as you start to do your performance and be your best.  I still get that overwhelming feeling when I dance, just like it was the first time.”

About Starrz:  “I’m usually here five days a week practicing.  It’s given me a place to come and grow as a person and develop friendships.  (Instructor Starr Kendrick) is a great teacher.  She helps us become better dancers, and she pulls the best out of all of us.  I’ve learned to become a disciplined person, and that’s helped me in the real world.”

Dance and discipline:  “In the dance world — I call it that because it’s different from everything else — you have to show up on time and point your toes and have your legs straight at all times.  It shapes you to be ready for other things besides dance.  It helps you be more organized and committed to whatever you put your mind to.  Once you find that, you don’t want to stop.”

Why pharmacy?:  “Last year, I took chemistry, and I loved it.  Plus, I like to talk to people.  The medical field is very interesting, and it would give me opportunity to help people, be a light for them and brighten their day.”