If Devan Aischa Smith could describe working on pop star Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour in one word, it would be “evolutionary.” As dance captain, she transformed alongside the show, learning and teaching new choreography as the concept came into focus.
No stranger to the tour lifestyle, Smith’s past gigs include world tours with Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani, as well as performances with Halsey and The Jonas Brothers. Her movement is sharp and decisive, drawing focus even within large groups of dancers.
Dance Spirit caught up with Smith to talk about the audition process for GUTS, working with Rodrigo, her future dance plans, and more.
How She Got the Gig
After appearing with Rodrigo in her iconic Saturday Night Live performance promoting the GUTS World Tour (you can only see the back of her head, but she’s the red-haired dancer), Smith was invited to audition for it. She later earned the title of dance captain and, throughout the tour, was responsible for teaching newly hired dancers the choreography and helping them settle into routine. She rose to the occasion, becoming like a big sister to her fellow dancers who had never been on tour before. “It’s been a lesson and a privilege at the same time,” she says. “It’s a beautiful challenge.”
Getting Her Foot in the Door
Smith grew up dancing, cheering, and baton twirling. She credits some of her success on the GUTS World Tour to her background as a competition dancer. The show had a strong emphasis on performance quality over technique, so it was important for dancers to be able to express a level of emotion that matched the vulnerability of Rodrigo’s lyrics.
After moving to L.A. to pursue dance postcollege, it took Smith a long time to book her first gig, she says. She reminisces on the months spent auditioning, driving hours to teach dance, and sending out her resumé before she booked her first role on Glee.
When it comes to the often rejection-heavy process of auditioning, Smith says: “There’s so much more [about casting] that we don’t know or see. Never take no as a rejection of your worth or your talent. Just know that timing is what it’s all about. Show up and be the very best version of yourself, but never let anything take you down.”
GUTS Tour Training
According to Smith, the choreography for GUTS began with a broad vision that was gradually pared down, landing somewhere honest and minimalistic. What started as common tour dancing became more movement- and performance-based. Emoting and storytelling through dance were two important skills that Smith and her fellow dancers sharpened. “It all became this simplistic message of emotion and performance…[Facials] were really important and [dance moves] became very secondary to the message.”
Working With Rodrigo
According to Smith, Rodrigo is the perfect role model for young women everywhere: hardworking, kind, and dedicated to her art. “She is just so beautiful inside and out: her heart, her work ethic, the way she connects with humans.”
Advice for Aspiring Dancers
Smith encourages dancers to train in as many styles as possible because you never know what might come in handy. A chameleon herself, she is proof that this method can lead to success. “Fill your bag of tricks. Be ready for anything, everything, all the things. Arrive as your very most authentic self.” Smith also stresses the importance of saying yes to dance opportunities, even when they’re not your dream job, because they’ll help you grow. “Progress through that evolution toward that thing that you desire.”
Future Dance Plans
With her jet lag from the international leg of the tour still wearing off, Smith is ready to get back out there and keep dancing. Her plan is to get some fresh headshots and return to class. “It’s a scary but beautiful feeling. It feels like a fresh start, a new beginning.”
Quickfire Questions
Favorite preshow snack: Smith is vegan, so she has trouble finding reliable snack options. An espresso and some sparkling water are her preshow necessities.
Onstage mishaps: During one performance, Smith had her hair in braids decorated with beads. The braids broke, and the beads went flying everywhere at the end of get him back! Luckily nobody slipped on them, and that was the last time Smith wore that hairstyle.
Favorite costume: The costume she wore for get him back! It’s a tank top with a teddy bear holding swords.
Favorite song from GUTS: “Vampire”
Dance bag essentials: Red lipstick, compression sleeves for flying, her journal (along with colorful gel pens), workout bands, headphones, Tiger Balm (the red one), and a roller—not a muscle roller, a literal rolling pin meant for dough that she swears by. “It really gets the job done.”
