Charley Smith

Charley Smith is a passionate dancer, driven by a desire for connection: to himself, music, and his partner on the floor. Dancing at house parties and nightclubs in his youth, his dancing was always about self-expression and fun. Although not a drinker, Charley was often mistaken for the most drunk on the floor!

Initially starting dance lessons with Cuban Salsa during sixth form in 2017, inspired by the film "Cuban Fury", Charley soon attended Cross-Body Salsa, and eventually took a small bite of Kizomba with the School's taster classes. After hearing mainly Ghetto Zouk for these short months, he first experienced Semba at an SBK festival in Folkestone. A week later... LOCKDOWN!

For over a year, Charley's passion for Semba bubbled, until the UK reopened for public events. At the first chance, he attended another SBK festival, which quickly fueled his addiction further.

Starting at Richard Voogt's Kizomba Mondays, he quickly branched out to gain as much experience as possible, dancing at Seyi's Chocolate Tuesdays, Manon Batrel and Rico Suave's Diversão party nights, Syed Ali's Club Vício, and many festivals. Being inquisitive during classes, and non-stop social dancing afterwards quickly gave Charley a great understanding of the fundamentals of partner dancing. He owes his progress mainly to a few teachers (Josy Semkiz, Mikumba Williams, Nino Jd Amuli, Anna So, and Ybra "Smooth Passada" Sany), alongside a continuant reflection, and healthy self-criticism in his dance.

Growing up with a heavy musical influence, Charley's background in playing the drums, guitar, and singing, coupled with his parents playing of soulful songs from their youth has resulted in a palette for music that moves him (whether he had energy or not!) With a keen ear for the sounds of Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Cabo Verde, Haïti and Congo, Charley is curious to discover more that will resonate within, and give him no choice but to express that resonance through dance!

Charley is London-based, but has begun travelling to connect with more wonderful souls, and fulfil his childhood dreams of seeing the world. He has taken himself across the UK and Europe, dancing at some of his favourite festivals (SoWeKiz - Bristol, Back 2 Basic - Paris, Zungueiras - Lisbon, Morebeza - Rotterdam, and the Guinea-Bissau Independence Weekend - Zurich), and will be attending the Kuddisanga group in Angola for his first time travelling to Africa, in December 2024.

He recently started sharing his passion for connection and dance, leading classes and workshops in Zurich with Jessica Larbi (Jela Connect) at the Smooth Passada dance school, and helping fellow dancers connecting with themselves, the music, and their partner, through private classes too.

Charley is always happy to yes to a dance (unless his toes have given way), so if you see him, ask him for a dance - as a lead or follow!

Charley can be connected at:

Instagram - @beatboxbudda
Facebook - Chuck W Smith