We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kim Smith. Check out our conversation below.
Kim, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I know that people see our students learning to dance but what I’m most proud of building goes far beyond the classroom. We are building a program that teaches people to see our dancers the way we do – as the wonderful and capable humans they are. We are building a classroom that doesn’t require you to have special needs but instead just a desire to be part of something special.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kim Smith and I’m the Founder and Director of A Chance To Dance for special needs in Charlotte, NC. We are at the beginning of our 11th year and our program continues to grow. We offer dance classes in both a recreational and competitive setting. We are currently working on choreography for our upcoming Holiday Showcase that will take place this December and are also preparing for the 2026 competition season. We also have a very special performance coming up in October 2026 at Disney World with Dance The Magic.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When my youngest daughter was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old it really shifted my view of the world. Being an ASD mom has shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to appreciate the little things I took for granted before. Reagan is my “why” and the inspiration behind my dance program.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
My daughter Reagan was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at 18 months old. I remember sitting in the behavioral pediatric specialist office and although I was pretty sure I knew what her diagnosis was hearing the words from her doctor made it real and in that moment fear of the unknown took over as I knew nothing about how to be an autism mom. It hurt my heart to hear those words and fear took over but by the time Reagan was 5 years old I begin to fully recognize that life has cycles of pain and joy and that those emotions can generate a powerful energy that when redirected can fuel creativity and purpose. So I fully accepted this new journey and created A Chance To Dance which gave me a sense of purpose to help my daughter, to help others, and this program has been so healing for me.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Shifting perspective by storytelling with dance. Setting choreography for our dancers that provides powerful and authentic visibility is so important to myself and all of the wonderful volunteers, teachers, and guest choreographers who help us demonstrate that dancers with special needs are not defined by their disabilities but instead are artists with creative potential and talent.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
100% what I was born to do.
Life is a journey, a precious gift and teaching dance gives me a purpose, heals my heart and there is nothing more rewarding than teaching dance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://achancetodancecharlotte.com
- Instagram: achancetodance_clt
- Facebook: @achancetodancenc
- Youtube: @AChanceToDanceTheMovement
