Carrie Smith
Carrie Smith is in her second season coaching the San Diego State University Dance Team. Under her leadership, the team placed first in both the Open 4 Year University Division IA Jazz and Hip Hop categories at the 2011 USA Collegiate Championships. Carrie is currently the New Mexico UDA State Director where she is responsible for coordinating camps and competitions. Carrie choreographs for several teams across the nation in jazz, pom, hip hop, prop, novelty, and show choir divisions. Carrie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and a Master of Science degree in Health Education from the University of New Mexico, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from California State University San Bernardino. Carrie has taught in public schools for 13 years, mostly at the high school level in dance and aerobics. She is the former director of the Carlsbad High School Dance Program in Carlsbad, California where she was named District Teacher of the Year. Under her leadership, the Jr. Varsity and Varsity teams won numerous prestigious awards at UDA, NDA, USA, and American Grand Championships, including six National Dance Team Championship titles. Carrie also served as assistant coach at Poway High School for three years, expanding the depth of the program and helping the team become a nationally competitive force. Carrie’s teams have also been featured at professional events for L’Oreal, Creative Nail Design, Jazzercise, and other companies and non-profit agencies in Southern California. She has been recognized in the Dance Director’s Survival Guide, published by Dance Spirit Magazine, as one of the country’s Outstanding Dance Team Directors. Carrie has been a member of the Universal Dance Association staff for 22 years and has received several top honor including Featured Staff Member and State Director of the Year. She has judged numerous competitions including Bravo National Dance and Talent Competition, UDA High School and College National Dance Team Championships, the Arizona Interscholastic Association Spirit Line Championship, The West Coast Championships, and Contest of Champions National Competition. With UDA, Carrie has developed coaches’ training materials and delivered seminars and workshops across the United States and internationally, focusing on helping dancers and coaches reach their potential as performers, leaders, and people.