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Jahla Smith, a talented student dancer, wants to leap from ��ɫ��Ƶ onto one of the nation’s most celebrated stages.

“I would like to either be a part of Alvin Ailey or Dance Theatre of Harlem,” said Jahla, who plans to graduate a semester early in December 2026. “I've only traveled in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but I would love to travel with them, dance with them around the world, meet new people and teach classes.”

She knows it’s an ambitious goal, but this self-described overachiever likes to aim high. 

“I was always the kid who would get all As,” she said. “I'm such a hard worker because I’ve felt like if I got this stuff done, then I can do the thing that I love.”

Jahla arrived at ��ɫ��Ƶ with solid dance skills developed over years in gifted dance programs at Edward E. Brickell Academy for Advanced Academics and Arts and Salem High School, both in Virginia Beach.

Thanks to her work ethic — and guidance from the University’s faculty — Jahla’s artistic vision has grown alongside her technique.

“Where I’ve seen the most change since her freshman year is in how she understands dance — she’s shifted from focusing on what she already knew to approaching movement and creation with much more curiosity and openness,” said Megan Thompson, dance program director at the University. 

“That shift has really deepened her artistic voice.”

Jahla’s creativity as a dancer and choreographer is showcased at the happening through Saturday, April 18 at University Theatre.

She’ll perform in choreography by faculty member Victoria Fink and guest artist Christal Brown. Jahla’s own “Public View” is one of three student-choreographed pieces on the program. She won’t be on stage for that, however. 

“I want it to be something that I can just sit back and be like, wow, I made that,” she said.

“Public View” explores how members of a group tend to conform to each other, she explained, and how the group dynamic shifts when a member breaks away.

Jahla originally constructed the piece in high school. Looking back, she can see that she had made some elements only to satisfy the expectations of others.

“But I got to ��ɫ��Ƶ, and I was like, You know what? I'm going to take it back. I'm just going to reset the pieces that I feel like are not me.”

“Public View” draws on ballet, hip-hop, modern and contemporary styles, she said.

“I've always been a dancer that doesn't like just one thing, when it comes to choreographing. I like fusion.”

Similarly, Jahla takes a broad approach to career preparation. While she’s determined to succeed as a dancer, she’s practical enough to know that she’ll need a variety of skills.

At ��ɫ��Ƶ, she’s a dance education major, which means she learns educational theory and does student teaching along with her studio work.

“My goal is to be a professional dancer,” Jahla said. “But dancers don't only dance. They also teach. They also collaborate. They also choreograph, which is what I've been doing as well.”

An only child, Jahla grew up with a supportive and artistic extended family nearby. While she’s the first in her family to pursue dance, she’s had plenty of role models. 

“I’ve always been surrounded by strong women,” she said, noting that her mom raised her as a single parent while also caring for her own mother. “All of that stuff put a fire in me,” Jahla said.

“Having those great representations in my face was just, like, I can do this. So, let's do it.”

Director Thompson admires Jahla’s intensity.

“Her commitment to both performance and dance education isn’t unusual in our program, but what stands out is how fully she invests in both areas,” Thompson said. “She has a strong attention to detail and has stepped into leadership roles with increasing confidence, particularly as a rehearsal director and teaching assistant.”

Thompson described her student as thoughtful, driven and deeply engaged. “She reflects, revises and consistently pushes herself, which has been exciting to witness.”

��ɫ��Ƶ has helped Jahla grow as an artist and a well-rounded person.

She said she enjoys the close-knit community of University dancer majors and has expanded her social network by helping with the Ebony Impact Gospel Choir.

Between holding down a job, academics, social commitments and a demanding dance rehearsal schedule, she’s stretched thin sometimes.

She’s glad to make sacrifices for her future.

“For sure, I am tired, but I can say I am grateful to be tired, grateful to be sore from something that I love so much,” she said. 

Top photo: Jahla Smith helps out with a 2026 High School Dancers Day event. Photo credit: Michael DiBari/��ɫ��Ƶ