Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Member Amanda Smith's Style Reflects Her Sunny California Roots
When she’s not representing Dance Theatre of Harlem onstage or in the studio, company member Amanda Smith sports a retro-inspired style. The Orange County, California, native loves a good thrift store, almost as much as she loves throwing pops of color into her look. “Outside of the studio, my style is a mix of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s,” Smith says. “I’m inspired by people like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Brandy and Sade. I love the vibe of their music and who they are—they represent natural beauty, and I love that.”
Smith gravitates towards brighter colors for the studio. “It wakes me up and adds some fun to our rigorous rehearsal schedule,” she says. She also likes to play with different hairstyles, switching between a classic high bun and French twist to something more fun, like two buns or two twisted braids at the top of her head.
One studio staple for Smith is her Bloch Axiom pointe shoes, which she alters specifically for her feet. “Dance Theatre of Harlem is all about skin-colored shoes,” Smith says. “I like to paint my shoes the same day I sew them because the paint makes them shape differently. If I were to wear the shoes for a day and paint them after, they won’t feel the way I want them to.”
Quinn Wharton
Vintage sweater: “I got this sweater at Buffalo Exchange, which is one of my favorite thrift stores. I really like the multicolored fur sleeves.”
Quinn Wharton
Bell-bottom jeans: “I like the vintage style of bell-bottom jeans. I got these online at a store called Shein.”
Stilettos: “It was freezing the day we shot this, but I wanted to show off my ’70s/’80s/’90s style with the bright pink stilettos.”
Quinn Wharton
Quinn Wharton
Bloch leotard: “I love Bloch, and I think the burnt orange leotard and ombré skirt makes a statement.”
Quinn Wharton
Barreto Dancewear skirt: “Elizabeth Barreto designed the skirt. I used to dance with her in California at Anaheim Ballet.”
Quinn Wharton
Bloch pointe shoes: “I wear Bloch Axioms with Ouch Pouches for padding. I usually try to break my pointe shoes in by hitting them on a brick wall or concrete; then I cut the shank halfway to help shape the look of my foot.”
