Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Smith & Shanelle Paxton. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Shanelle was raised in Watts where opportunities for enrichment were scarce. She was raised by hard-working parents who made sure the necessities were available, but things such as dance, music lessons, and art classes were beyond her reach. Needless to say, when she became a mother, the first chance she got, she enrolled her young daughter Mia into ballet & tap classes. Admiring her two year old grow and develop in dance was such a wonderful feeling.
Similar to her parents, Shanelle found herself struggling to keep up with dance expenses. Determined to pour into Mia’s new found passion, she set out to find a school that emphasized performing arts. Nestled on the border of Compton, California she found one! Mia was exposed to not only multiple genres of dance, but acting and voice lessons as well, and she loved it! This school had a wonderful enrichment program which nurtured her daughter’s talents, and Shanelle wanted to do all that she could to support those efforts.
She felt compelled to support through volunteer work. Through her work, she was given the opportunity to assist who she discovered was the link to all of the wonderfulness that was occurring. This young man had every detail of each school production flowing from his mind though these youths. From the costumes, actor’s lines, each musical cue, down to the meticulous detail of the color of a bow in the hair-he had it under control. What blew Shanelle away the most was that in a production of 300 plus students, ranging from ages 5-14 years old, he knew all of the student’s names and most of the parent’s names as well! She couldn’t get that out of her mind, especially after seeing how amazing the production was-how wonderful, talented, and patient he was, and how these kids from this underserved community were exposed to ballet, salsa, African fusion, and a host of many other genes that they would otherwise not have been exposed to.
She wanted more! She wanted to know how she could provide even more exposure to her daughter & other youth within the community. Shanelle met with him- dance instructor & choreographer Chris Smith. She pitched the idea of a program that would provide additonal performing arts classes to youth in the community. He was open!
Chris Smith comes from a family of dancers and vocalists, so it wasn’t surprising that he took an interest in the arts. Exploring through high school, 15 year old Chris joined a musical production of “Westside Story” while attending Long Beach High School. The choreographer was a beautiful young lady named Niyiki Swain-who was taken back by Chris’ raw potential. She invited him to join the cast of a production she led at El Camino College. Not thinking much of it, Chris accepted the invitation. He recalls his amazement when he walked into the rehearsal and the cast was filled with beautiful, talented black people! The production was called “Where is the Love”, the message conveyed a love for God, and talents ranged from dance, percussion, acting, rapping to name a few. It was nothing that he’d ever seen and it felt great!
Chris continued his education in dance and worked as a professional with the mentorship of many. He credits then long-term substitute teacher Keisha Clark-Booth as one of his greatest mentors in dance (she also sits on the advisory board of Ground Breaking Conservatory) Chris was offered an opportunity to create a space for things to come full circle by teaching dance. He shares that he never imagined falling in love with the job. He sees himself in many of the students and feels honored to watch them blossom into the best version of themselves through the arts. Ground Breaking Conservatory was a natural extension of that.
In the Winter of 2014 Chris & Shanelle set out to offer intensive, short-term programs. “Offering classes this way allows students the opportunity to explore different facets of the arts” Kids learn proper techniques and terminology, in addition to the most intricate, creative, and mind-blowing choreography that they would never imagine replicating. GBC keeps costs low and affordable and have always strived to create a home away from home.
In the Spring of 2016, they expanded their program by originating a performance group within the umbrella of the GBC nonprofit. This extension allows children the opportunity to serve their community. This group has performed in numerous community events and has also hosted and participated in several community outreach events such as toy drives, back to school giveaways, and food distribution programs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While rewarding, GBC has definitely faced some bumps along the road. While we would love to be able to run a completely free program, it is necessary to require donations from participants to cover building costs, snacks, etc. for students. We have never had the heart to turn any student away because of finances- which at times, has made things tough. Finding a stable home has been complicated as well. While much of our work has been based in Compton. Inflation on the cost studio space has kept us mobile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In addition to being the Creative Director, Choreographer, & CFO of Ground Breaking Conservatory, Smith has performed with many prestigious companies. A few to mention are Invertigo Dance Theatre, Jazzantiqua, Bristol Contemporary, and KPA Fusion.
In addition to that, he has also performed in several productions such as “Memoria” with the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Also, the Billie Holiday Hologram attraction for Apollo, Hollywood Teflon Brothers featured roles with Universal Music Group Finland, and “When Jazz Had the Blues Musical” with CEK Productions.
His experience has given him the opportunity to work with many talented and skilled professionals such as Troy Powell (Ailey || Artistic Director), Frit and Frat, Ken Morris (Lula Washington Dance Theatre) and Carlos Jones.
Chris Smith has been recognized for his outstanding performances and was awarded an NAACP award for “Best Ensemble” as well as an Ovation award for “ Best Production”.
Shanelle Paxton serves as a Community Liaison & Engagement Coordinator & Specialist for local schools, businesses, families, and neighbors in Inglewood & Compton, California. She aids in creating a bridge of communication, advocacy, and support for those who need it. She is also the author of the beautifully illustrated children’s book, “So Serious,” which is themed to highlight the virtue of honesty. In addition to being the CEO of GBC, she is currently working on a project that will provide access to self-care services for women of color. This resource will also highlight influential women in business and human services. Stay tuned!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Favorites and Inspiration
Chris pulls inspiration from his successfully talented circle of friends. He consistently feeds his crafts by attending classes from masters in the arts while hosting a few himself. His talents extend as a working professional dancer, singer, teacher, director, songwriter, model, AND choreographer.
Shanelle is inspired by creativity in a plethora of forms-youth, powerful women, ambitious black people, and anyone one who uses their talents and creativity to manifest success. Shanelle proclaims that success in life equates success in love, peace, and joy in whatever form that is meaningful to you.
Contact Info:
- Email: gbconservatory@gmail.com
- Instagram: gbcdance
- Facebook: GBC Dance
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A33jp-I_Vz0&feature=youtu.be
Image Credits:
Milk it Media
