Monika Felice Smith is a professional choreographer, director, movement coach, and dancer from NY, currently based in Los Angeles, CA. Having transitioned to the contemporary and commercial hip-hop world from classical ballet and pointe, her choreography blends a fusion of both technical contemporary and hi-phop vibes. Today, Monika’s credits include choreographing for music videos and live sets for artists such as Olivia Rodrigo (SOUR PROM Concert Film & MTV VMA’s), FINNEAS, Bebe Rexha, Bella Poarch, Alessia Cara, Twenty One Pilots, Ashe, Young Thug, Gunna, Sam Fischer, Woosung, Audrey Mika, Lennon Stella, Wengie (Wraya), Ingrid Andress, Jessie Murph, Sky Katz (Disney), Jvke, Citizen Queen, Brynn Elliott, Waze & Odyssey, Samm Henshaw, Karina Sofia, Cloe Wilder, Stalking Gia, and Adam Melchor. Her work has been nominated for an MTV Video Music Award for FINNEAS’Let’s Fall In Love For The Night for “Best Alternative Music Video”, as well as UKMVA nomination for “Best Choreography in a Video,” and “Best Dance/Electronic” for Waze & Odyssey, Tommy Theo, George Michael and Mary J. Blige’s Always. Monika and the production team were winners of the “How The Hell Did They Do That?” for Always MV at SXSW 2021.
Monika has been shouted out by Justin Timberlake as 'One to watch'. Her work can be seen in the feature films The Relationtrip, Pivot, and Lunch Ladies. As a Movement Coach, her work includes ads/commercials such as Lululemon, Spyder Athletics for Milan Virtual Fashion Week, Nike/Jordan Brand for Teyana Taylor, JustFab & Fabletics for Kelly Rowland & Liza Koshy, Flaunt Magazine Cover Shoot for Joey King, Oculus VR, Sift Science Technology, ADAY & MeYou London Sustainable Clothing.
Monika’s dance credits include Paramount Network’s Michael Jackson’s Lip Sync Battle Live Tribute, Spyder Athletics for Milan and NYC Fashion Week 2020 and NY Virtual Fashion Week 2021, music videos with artists such as Meghan Trainor, Jeremih, Jay Rock, Elle King, and Sam Fischer, also dancing in commercials such as PRISM for SnapChat and performing at the Staples Center as a member of the WNBA Sparks Crew.
Monika is the founder and director of LUME Dance, alongside choreographer and business partner MaryAnn Chavez.
Monika works regularly developing musical artists, choreographing their stage sets, music videos and social content. She enjoys educating and training dancers in her Masterclasses and private training sessions. Monika’s strength lies in storytelling; fusing movement with intention & raw emotion. She enjoys playing with shape, texture and musicality, while grounding her choreography with technical elements. Monika is excited to share and instill her love of movement with all audiences in all forms.
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