JANELLE S. INGS

Name: Janelle Smith-Ings
Address: US

Dance educator, choreographer, consultant

For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to educating, mentoring, creating, and expanding access to dance. From the studio and stage to higher education, curriculum development, professional development, and community-based programming, I believe in the transformative power of dance to educate, connect, inspire, and empower.

Learn More

Get to Know Me

My work centers on providing students with training in traditional modern dance techniques, dance history courses, curriculum development, as well as writing and consulting. I believe that to excel in contemporary movement, one must have a strong foundation in traditional modern techniques. With my extensive and diverse background in various dance styles, I can bring a wealth of diversity to any performing arts environment.

Work Experience

Janelle's CV

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR-
AILEYCAMP MIAMI

2026-PRESENT

Managed daily administrative and operational functions for AileyCamp Miami. Coordinated program logistics, including camper transportation, field trips, meals, uniforms, facilities, schedules, attendance, and on-site operations.Served as a primary liaison among camp leadership, teaching artists, staff, families, vendors, and community partners, ensuring timely and effective communication. Supervised and supported administrative staff, interns, and volunteers while assisting with staff scheduling, meetings, and program procedures. Maintained camper records, attendance, program documentation, and sensitive information while ensuring accurate communication and follow-up with parents and guardians. Supported camper recruitment, interviews, family orientation, special events, rehearsals, and the culminating AileyCamp Miami performance. Collaborated with artistic and administrative leadership to maintain a safe, organized environment aligned with the mission and standards of AileyCamp

DANCE EDUCATOR-
THE GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

2015-PRESENT

GSA students are trained in Graham technique. GSA students gain an aesthetic and historical knowledge of Graham. Developed online Dance History curriculum which all students are required to take. The program is designed to prepare students for prestigious universities, conservatories and professional dance companies for the career-minded dancer.

AJUNCT PROFESSOR

THE COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

2017-PRESENT

Through Modern technique students with little or no dance training are introduced to correct body alignment and rhythmic skills which provide an environment where creative work is explored.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DANCE NEW JERSEY

2023-2024

Ensuring that the organization adheres to its mission, values, and bylaws. Participating in setting the organization’s strategic direction and goals. Reviewing and approving budgets, and financial statements, and ensuring financial stability. Assisting in fundraising efforts and securing resources for the organization. Establishing policies and procedures to guide the organization’s operations. Representing and promoting the organization to the public and key stakeholders. Identifying and managing risks to the organization.Ensuring the organization complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Attending and actively participating in board meetings and committee work. Providing support and guidance to the organization's leadership and staff.

2001-2024

DANCE EDUCATOR/CURRICULUM WRITER - NEWARK BOARD OF ED.

PART-TIME LECTURER-
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY

SENIOR REPERTORY DIRECTOR
CENTER FOR MODERN DANCE EDUCATION

2004-2015

Provide students with an aesthetic knowledge of dance, enable students to participate in the creation and performance of dance, enable students to express the elements and principles of different dance genres, and develop student’s critical thinking skills through critique and integration of world cultures, history and society through dance. Author of three dance curricula adopted by the district: one for Kindergarten through 8th grade, one for Arts High dance curriculum, and Dance I and Dance II for comprehensive high schools.

2022-2023

Created lessons on dance pedagogy, classroom management practices and backward design, Prepared students for EdTPA . Students were guided through reflective practice on their student teaching placements.

The Repertory Company is composed of advanced teen dancers selected through auditions who aim to enhance both their technical and performance skills. The Repertory Director is responsible for auditioning and supervising this pre-professional company. As the director, you teach technique, production, and professionalism to prepare company members for employment in the performing arts field. You also establish the company’s artistic standards, practices, and policies. As the Repertory Company Director, you must be knowledgeable, well-educated, and committed to ongoing education. You are expected to be an expert, a passionate advocate for dance, and a skilled and persuasive communicator and teacher.

MENTORING OF DANCE ED. STUDENTS

SHORT FILM PRODUCING AND EDITING

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

CURRICULUM WRITING

ARTS ADVOCACY

Proficiencies

Education

SHORT FILM PRODUCTION AND EDITING

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY, M.P.A. CONCENTRATION IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION

2004-2007

MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, B.F.A., DANCE

1996-1999

LA GUARDIA H.S. OF MUSIC & ART AND THE PERFORMING ARTS

1991-1995

"The body says what words cannot".

MARTHA GRAHAM

Dance History Lessons/Courses

Dance History Lessons and Courses are available for purchase. Lessons are engaging and include technology for today's student. Lessons can be utilized in a traditional classroom setting or can be easily transferred to an online context.

ONLINE: DANCE HISTORY I

This course explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of African diasporic dance, with a focus on traditional West African dance, Hip Hop dance, and Jazz dance. Through historical context, movement analysis, and cultural exploration, students will examine how African dance traditions have shaped and influenced contemporary dance forms globally.

ONLINE: DANCE HISTORY II

This course explores the origin, historic context and evolution of Ballet and Modern dance. Students will explore the various training systems within both genres and historic figures impact within their respective genre. This course also introduces the principles of Pilates as well as the founder of the training system. Through historical context, movement analysis, and cultural exploration, students will examine how Ballet and Modern dance have shaped and influenced contemporary dance forms globally.