A classically choreographer and teaching artist , Sarita Smith Child’s professional performance experiences span the genres of modern, jazz, ballet & contemporary dance. Sarita is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College where she received a B.A. Liberal Arts degree with concentrations in Dance and Economics.  She trained under Stephanie Clemens, Judith Quirk Chitwood, Harriet Ross, Randy Duncan,Viola Farber -Merce Cunningham Dance Company and  William Adaire – Jennifer Muller | The Works. In addition she trained under Stephanie Clemens, Judy ChitwoodShe performed with Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble New Dances, Momenta Dance Co, Cerqua Rivera Art Experience , Thodos Dance Chicago and was an 11-year ensemble member, soloist and rehearsal assistant for Choreographer Randy Duncan, who she continues to work with as a répétiteur .

 

She served on the faculty of the Dance Conservatory of Barat College of DePaul University, the Lou Conte Dance Studio , Gus Giordano Dance Center, Joel Hall Dance Center, and Joffrey Academy of Dance, directed the dance department and dance company of Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, and was a teaching artist with Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement. Sarita has served as company class instructor for Giordano Dance Chicago and Thodos Dance Chicago.

 

Sarita’s choreography has been seen on the fashion, commercial and concert dance stages.  Recent projects include Visceral Dance Chicago, Grammy Nominated Blues Harpist , Billy Branch; Blues/Folk Fiddler Anne Harris; Grayscale Dance Los Angeles; Voice of the City Vaudeville Underground and Dance In the Parks.

 

Sarita is a 2021 & 2017 nominee for the Chicago United Business Leaders of Color Award;  a 2019 & 2016 nominee for the 3 Arts Chicago Grant Award in Dance/Choreography. She is a recipient of the Ruth Page Award for Dance Achievement; and is a six-time nominee and a past winner of the Black Theater Alliance Award for Best Performance in a Music/Dance Program.

 

Sarita is also a non-profit executive and consultant, currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Area Arts Council; Board Member and co-Chair of the DEI Advisory Council of Chicago Dancers United; Board Member of the Chicago Dance History Project;  Advisory Board of Directors for Roosevelt University Chicago College of the Performing Arts and the Chicago Chapter of Blue Star Families; and a Volunteer Ambassador for the Lupus Research Alliance.

 

Sarita is currently a faculty member of the Academy of Movement and Music; and Loyola University Chicago’s Dance Department, where she teaches Ballet and Pointe; serves on the DEI Task Force for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts and is a guest presenter in the LUC Quinlan School of Business Executive Leadership Hub.