Fall2 2025 EC Program DIGITALfile v3 - Flipbook - Page 12
COMPANY PROFILES
MICHAEL SMUIN | FOUNDER
The late Michael Smuin began his career as a dancer performing with San Francisco Ballet, American
Ballet Theatre, and on Broadway. A Tony and Emmy award-winning choreographer, Smuin brought a
signature style to his work on stage, in film, and on television. A maverick, he fearlessly blended the
theatrical with classical and popular styles, combining elements drawn from his vast stage experience.
Smuin’s works continue to dazzle and entertain contemporary audiences. His company, Smuin, was
founded in 1994 to showcase his creative versatility and unique vision. The Company maintains his
legacy today.
AMY SEIWERT | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER,
A LONG NIGHT
Amy Seiwert, a former Artist with the Company, was mentored under the wing of Michael Smuin
and was the Company’s Choreographer-in-Residence from 2008-2018. The Bay Guardian has
described her as “quite possibly the Bay Area’s most original dance thinker, taking what some consider
a dead language and using it as a 21st century lingo to tell us something about who we are.” She
was named one of “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine, has twice participated in NYCB’s New York
Choreographic Institute, and has served on the faculty of Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet
Program. Her ballets have been supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Kennedy
Center, and The Joyce Theater. Additionally, her work is in the repertory of BalletX, Ballet Austin, and
AXIS Dance, as well as Washington, Atlanta, Oakland, Kansas City, Colorado, Louisville, Cincinnati,
Oklahoma City, American Repertory, and Milwaukee Ballets.
LORI LAQUA | MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lori Laqua brings 30+ years of experience to her role as Managing Director of Smuin Contemporary
Ballet. Laqua oversaw the renovation of Smuin Center for Dance, the organization’s permanent
home, which joined the rehearsal studios and administrative offices under one roof for the first time.
Laqua previously served as project manager for the design and construction of the ODC Dance
Commons and the ODC Theater during her 20 years there. Laqua holds a PhD (ABD) and MArch
in Architectural History from the University of Virginia, a MA in Art History from the University of
Missouri-Columbia, and a BA in History and Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Laqua joined Smuin in 2017.
AMY LONDON | PRINCIPAL REHEARSAL DIRECTOR
Amy London trained in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Karen Alwin and Shauna Bereska. She
danced with Hartford Ballet, Diablo Ballet, and Smuin. Her favorite Smuin roles included The Eternal
Idol, Q.a.V., and Hearts Suite. She has served on faculty for schools throughout the Bay Area and as
Artistic Coordinator at Marin Ballet, where she has choreographed more than 20 works. As Principal
Rehearsal Director, she enjoys preserving Michael Smuin’s legacy, as well as being the caretaker of
the works of choreographers such as Val Caniparoli, Trey McIntyre, Amy Seiwert, Ma Cong, Helen
Pickett, James Kudelka, Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa, and Jiří Kylián.
12 • FALL | EX TREMELY CLOSE • 2025
