If Devan Aischa Smith could describe his work on pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS world tour in one word, it would be “revolutionary.” As dance captain, she transforms as the show progresses, learning and teaching new choreography as concepts emerge.
Smith is no stranger to the touring lifestyle, with past appearances including a world tour with Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani, as well as performances with Halsey and the Jonas Brothers. Her movements are sharp and decisive, commanding attention even in a large group of dancers.
Dance soul caught up with Smith to talk about the GUTS audition process, working with Rodrigo, her future dance plans, and more.
how she got the gig
After starring in her iconic work with Rodrigo saturday night live To promote a performance on the GUTS World Tour (only the back of her head is visible, but she’s a red-haired dancer), Smith was invited to audition. She later earned the title of Dance Captain and was responsible throughout the tour for teaching newly hired dancers choreography and helping them settle into routines. She stepped up like a big sister to her fellow dancers who had never toured before. “It was both a lesson and an honor,” she said. “It’s a beautiful challenge.”
Step through the door
Smith grew up dancing, cheering and waving the baton. She attributes the success of the GUTS World Tour in part to her background as a competitive dancer. The show places a strong emphasis on performance quality rather than technique, so it was important for the dancers to be able to express a level of emotion that matched the vulnerability of Rodrigo’s lyrics.
Smith said it took her a long time to book her first show after moving to Los Angeles after college to study dance. She recalls spending months auditioning, driving around teaching dance and sending out resumes before she booked her first role. Happy.
“There’s more,” Smith said of the audition process, where he often gets rejected. [about casting] We don’t know or can’t see. Never take “no” as a rejection of your worth or talents. Just know that timing is everything. Show up as your best self, but never let anything bring you down.
GUTS circuit training
Smith said the choreography for “GUTS” starts with a broad vision and then gradually narrows down to a place of honesty and simplicity. What started as ordinary itinerant dance became more movement and performance based. Expressing emotion and telling stories through dance are two important skills that Smith and her fellow dancers hone. “It all became this simple emotional and performative message…[Facials] very important and [dance moves] Information becomes very secondary.
Working with Rodrigo
Smith believes Rodrigo is a perfect role model for young women everywhere: hard-working, kind and dedicated to her art. “She was so beautiful inside and out: her heart, her work ethic, the way she connected with humanity.”
Advice for aspiring dancers
Smith encourages dancers to train in as many styles as possible because you never know what might come in handy. A chameleon herself, she’s proven that this approach can lead to success. “Fill your bag of tricks. Be ready for anything, anything, everything. Show up as your most authentic self.” Smith also stressed the importance of accepting dancing opportunities, even if they aren’t your dream jobs, because they will help You grow. “Through continuous evolution, move toward what you want.”
future dance plans
With the jet lag from the international tour still fading away, Smith is ready to get back out there and dance. Her plan was to take some new headshots and return to class. “It’s a scary but beautiful feeling. It feels like a new beginning, a new beginning.
quick questions
Favorite pre-show snack: Smith is a vegetarian, so she has trouble finding reliable snack options. An espresso and some soda are her pre-show essentials.
Stage accident: During one performance, Smith had her hair braided and decorated with beads. The braid broke, and finally the beads flew everywhere Let him come back! Luckily, no one stepped on them, and that was the last time Smith wore this hairstyle.
Favorite outfit: the clothes she wears Let him come back! It’s a vest with a teddy bear holding a sword.
GUTS’s favorite song: “vampire”
Dance bag essentials: Red lipstick, compression sleeves for the flight, her journal (and colored gel pens), exercise bands, headphones, tiger balm (the red one) and a roller—not a muscle roller, but one she swears by. Rolling pin for dough. “It really gets the job done.”