We were lucky to catch up with Jurne Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jurne, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I would have to say that my most meaningful project I’ve worked on was my very first dance film that I choreographed, directed, and garnered funding for. I was working as an Executive Assistant for a nonprofit dance organization called Theatre of Movement right out of college and smack dab in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously during my senior year of college I was commissioned to set an evening length work about the late Dr. Josephine Boyd Bradley, the first person to desegregate an all white high school in North Carolina. This live performance was set to be performed in the Spring, but since all facilities were shut down due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled. At this nonprofit I was given an opportunity to collaborate and connect with other artists around the world through a community called The Black Network. The Black Network was offering a grant to help partially fund a project from one of the members, and after submitting my project application for a film based off of the original live performance I had choreographed, my film project Lone Soldier Rising was unanimously selected.

Jurne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a North Carolina native who grew up cheering for 13 years up until I saw a Michael Jackson music video and decided that I wanted to dance like he danced. From then, I auditioned for and was accepted into performing arts middle and high schools where I majored in dance. I went on to graduate from UNC-Greensboro with a BFA in Dance with a concentration in Choreography & Performance, Full University Honors, Disciplinary Honors, and International Honors in dance and academia. I also studied dance in England where I attended the University of Plymouth. I began working as an Executive Assistant for Theatre of Movement and ended my work there as the Executive Director of Operations. Thanks to my time at Theatre of Movement I was able to cultivate my vision and creative voice as a dancer and choreographer. I was able to create a community of support and resources very quickly, which can be difficult for artists starting out. To help solve this problem, I started my own business JS Studio & Co. which provides studio space and residencies for emerging artists in North Carolina. As an artist myself, my work is inspired by the authentic realities and experiences of my life and those around me. I believe in telling the stories of the unsung heroes, and the beginning of that journey started with my first film Lone Soldier Rising. Outside of producing dance films, I also create curriculum for schools looking to integrate dance into their arts programs, and work as a teaching artist across North Carolina.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I create art that I’m proud of, inspired by stories and topics that I’m passionate about. As an artist or creative the best thing you can do is stay true to what inspires you and keeps you rooted because that’s what is going to keep you motivated. It also helps showcase your individuality in what can feel like a sea of other incredibly talented artists.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Funding and other resources are always important. As a dancer our biggest need is finding adequate space to work in. Many dance studios offer very limited opportunities for outside artists to come in and workshop around the schedule of the studio. And unless you work at a dance studio full time, those slots fill up quickly with priority given to employees. As a consumer of visual and performing art, spread the word about your favorite artists. If you find yourself on TikTok or other social media replicating a dance trend, make sure to give credit to the creator(s). So often dancers get forgotten and their creative work doesn’t receive the applause or recognition it’s due.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jurnesmith_
• Youtube: @JurneSmithProductions