Michael Smuin

Michael Smuin
Name	Michael Smuin
Birth date	1938-08-04
Birth place	San Jose, California, United States
Death date	2007-10-29
Death place	San Francisco, California, United States
Occupation	Choreographer, dancer, conductor, artistic director
Years active	1958–2007
Notable works	Smuin Ballet, choreography for A Chorus Line, The Merry Widow, West Side Story film staging
Awards	Emmy Award, San Francisco Critics Circle Award, Laurence Olivier Award nominations

Michael Smuin

Michael Smuin (August 4, 1938 – October 29, 2007) was an American dancer, choreographer, conductor, and artistic director known for work across ballet, Broadway, film, and regional theater. He founded the Smuin Ballet and served as artistic director for major companies, collaborating with figures and institutions across American dance, musical theater, and cinema. Smuin's career intersected with many artists and organizations from the late 20th century American performing arts scene.

Early life and education

Born in San Jose, California, Smuin studied in local programs before training with influential teachers and companies that shaped postwar American dance. Early influences included exposure to repertory associated with the New York City Ballet, Martha Graham, and West Coast institutions such as the San Francisco Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. During his formative years he worked with teachers and choreographers connected to companies like the School of American Ballet and conservatories that produced artists for Broadway ensembles such as Broadway productions and touring troupes. His training bridged classical ballet lineage found in companies like the American Ballet Theatre and emerging contemporary techniques associated with artists who later worked with institutions such as the Lincoln Center arts organizations.

Dance and choreography career

Smuin's professional dance career included performing with prominent ensembles and contributing choreography for stage and screen. He danced and choreographed for productions linked to the New York City Opera, regional theaters like the San Francisco Opera, and touring musical theater companies connected to Broadway shows. His choreography reflected influences from choreographers who worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and musical staging traditions of directors affiliated with the Public Theater and Goodman Theatre. Smuin collaborated with performers who also appeared in productions at venues such as the Kennedy Center and festivals like the Spoleto Festival USA.

Ballet and theater productions

Smuin founded a company that brought contemporary ballet repertory to regional and national audiences, staging works inspired by classical and modern canon found at institutions such as the Paris Opera Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. His company performed works alongside programs presented by the San Francisco Ballet, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and dance seasons at venues including the Opéra National de Paris and the Royal Opera House. In the theater realm he choreographed revivals and new productions that ran in houses associated with the Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization, and regional playhouses such as the Curran Theatre and the Ahmanson Theatre.

Film and television work

Smuin's choreography extended into film and television, where he staged dance sequences for adaptations and televised specials. He worked on projects related to cinematic musicals and collaborated with filmmakers and television producers who also engaged artists from the American Film Institute and networks such as the Public Broadcasting Service and NBC. His screen work placed him in creative dialogue with directors and composers linked to projects that involved talent from the Academy Awards circuit and film festivals including the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.

Teaching, directing, and leadership

Beyond choreography, Smuin served as an educator and artistic leader, holding posts with companies and educational programs connected to conservatories like the Juilliard School and university dance departments that collaborate with institutions such as the California Institute of the Arts and UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. He provided master classes and workshops at schools and festivals associated with the American Dance Festival and mentored dancers who later joined companies including the New York City Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and international ensembles affiliated with national theaters such as the National Theatre (London). As an artistic director he worked with administrative and philanthropic partners linked to foundations like the National Endowment for the Arts and cultural organizations operating in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Awards and honors

Smuin received recognition from critics' organizations and industry bodies, earning awards and nominations that placed him among recipients celebrated by groups such as the Emmy Awards, the Laurence Olivier Awards, and regional critics' circles. His choreography and productions were honored by arts institutions and foundations that also supported artists affiliated with the MacArthur Fellows Program and prize-granting bodies connected to performing arts biennials and festivals including Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.

Death and legacy

Smuin died in San Francisco in 2007, leaving a legacy embodied in his company, repertory, and the many dancers and choreographers he influenced. His work continues to be referenced in programs and histories alongside institutions like the San Francisco Opera, American Ballet Theatre, and archives maintained by organizations such as the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and university special collections. Smuin's blending of ballet, musical theater, and cinematic staging endures in repertory, pedagogical lineages, and regional arts ecosystems that include companies, venues, and festivals he worked with during his career.

Category:American choreographers Category:1938 births Category:2007 deaths