BIO
“I dance because I have to … I dance because my soul needs it.”
Jason was born in New York City on October 4, 1980, to jazz dance masters, Sue Samuels and Jo Jo Smith—so performing arts was a way of life. It was also a gift he inherited from generations of dancers, musicians and visual artists. They include his great grandmother, Tempy Smith of Harlem Renaissance fame and grandfather, Joseph Benjamin Smith—a Harlem tap dancer. He and his sister Helena were a tap act and regulars at the Apollo Theater.
Jason Samuels Smith
Emmy Award-winning tap dancer, choreographer, humanitarian, and anthropologist Jason Samuels Smith stands as one of the most influential artists in contemporary dance. His artistry combines technical virtuosity with deep musicality and cultural authenticity, earning him recognition as a true master of the form.
Artistry & Recognition
Jason's distinguished career has garnered an Emmy Award, a Dance Magazine Award, an American Choreography Award, and the prestigious Gregory Hines Humanitarian Award. The New York Times has recognized his work among the year's best in dance, and he received a Bessie Award nomination for his groundbreaking choreography. His accolades also include the Andrew Mellon Grant, Joyce Residency Award, and MAP Fund/NPN Grant, along with being honored as a Living Legend at Tapology 2023.
Heritage & Training
Born into New York City's legendary jazz dance lineage, Jason is the son of jazz masters Sue Samuels and Jo Jo Smith, and descendant of Harlem Renaissance artist Tempy Smith and Harlem tap dancer Joseph Benjamin Smith. His grandfather Joseph and great-aunt Helena were a tap act and regulars at the Apollo Theater. His father and grandmother both performed with pioneering anthropologist and choreographer Katherine Dunham's company, and the family maintained a lifelong close friendship with Eartha Kitt. He began his professional career at age eight on Sesame Street, training under the mentorship of Savion Glover and later working alongside tap icon Gregory Hines. This foundation in both classical technique and contemporary innovation shapes his distinctive style—dynamic, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the tap tradition.
Heritage & Training
Born into New York City's legendary jazz dance lineage, Jason is the son of jazz masters Sue Samuels and Jo Jo Smith, and descendant of Harlem Renaissance artist Tempy Smith and Harlem tap dancer Joseph Benjamin Smith. His grandfather Joseph and great-aunt Helena were a tap act and regulars at the Apollo Theater. His father and grandmother both performed with pioneering anthropologist and choreographer Katherine Dunham's company, and the family maintained a lifelong close friendship with Eartha Kitt. He began his professional career at age eight on Sesame Street, training under the mentorship of Savion Glover and later working alongside tap icon Gregory Hines. This foundation in both classical technique and contemporary innovation shapes his distinctive style—dynamic, sophisticated, and deeply rooted in the tap tradition.
Performance & Collaborations
Jason has graced the world's most prestigious stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Jacob's Pillow, Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Teatro Municipal in Brazil, and Beizhan Theater in China. He has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Michael Jackson, Debbie Allen, Camille A. Brown, and Igmar Thomas. His credits span Broadway's Tony Award-winning Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk, films including Black Nativity and Idlewild, and television appearances on Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, and Psych.
Creative Leadership
As artistic director and choreographer, Jason tours internationally with his company and various productions. His choreographic vision has been celebrated at major venues and festivals worldwide.
Innovation & Impact
Jason's influence extends beyond performance. He designed what is widely regarded as the most influential professional tap shoe in the world for Bloch, reshaping how tap dancers experience sound, precision, and musical expression. As an educator and humanitarian, he has transformed countless lives through his work with underserved communities globally, supporting organizations including Dancers Responding to AIDS, Tied to Greatness, and Tap Into a Cure.
Jason Samuels Smith continues to elevate tap dance as a vital art form, honoring its rich cultural heritage while pushing its boundaries into new creative territory.
Join Us on This Journey
Discover Jason Samuels Smith’s inspiring story, watch his breathtaking performances, and support his mission to preserve and promote the rich tradition of tap dance.
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