Jarod Smith (he/him/his) was born and raised in Orange County, CA, entering the performing arts world at age 4. He trained in Musical Theater until Dance became his primary focus at 10. Throughout middle and high school, he attended Orange County School of the Arts in their Commercial Dance Conservatory before moving across the country to attend Pace University in New York City. He will receive his BFA in Commercial Dance with a concentration in choreography and performance and a minor in Psychology. He is also a part of the Pforzheimer Honors College at Pace University.

As a performer, Jarod has worked closely with renowned choreographers like Bo Park, Shay Bland, Rachel Leigh Dolan, Ellenore Scott, Kent Boyd, Spencer Liff, Jillian Meyers, and Lauren Gaul. He has also served as Dance Captain for Lauren Gaul, Rachel Leigh Dolan, Nathan Peck, and Paul Taylor’s Cloven Kingdom, staged by Laura Halzack. He is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Bollywood, and Vogue.

As a creative, Jarod considers himself an abstract thinker. Jarod enjoys pushing the boundaries of what is widely considered genre or style. His choreography has won choreography, inspiration, entertainment, and high point overall awards. His passion for teaching and creating has allowed him to teach and assist nationwide at different studios and on the convention circuit.