Four years may have passed, but Josiah Smothers is still dancing up a storm. We first introduced Ashburn Magazine readers to Josiah in January 2022. The then 13-year-old had performed with the national touring company of the Broadway hit “Finding Neverland,” not to mention appearing on stages in Boston, Baltimore, Washington and beyond.
Now, fast-forward four years and Josiah’s passion for performing is stronger than ever. The 17-year-old junior at Riverside High School appears regularly in school musicals while continuing to hone his skills at Ignite the Light, the Ashburn performing arts school founded by his mom, Tina Smothers. He’s also an instructor there.
“I’ve found a passion for choreography,” Josiah said. “Watching my students grow is something that will always bring me joy. Seeing people I care about succeed is amazing and it’s why I teach. The joy on a person’s face when they get that turn, or hit that step, is absolutely incredible.”
At a recent Junior Theater Festival competition, Josiah and the Ignite the Light team won an award for Outstanding Student Choreography/Direction.
College is on the horizon and Josiah already has his sights set on a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater or dance.
Smothers – who is as proud as a peacock of her son’s dedication to the arts – says Josiah hopes to make it to Broadway as a professional performer and then pursue a career as a choreographer.
“What makes me most proud … isn’t just his talent,” she said. “It’s his work ethic. It’s his hunger to grow. It’s his willingness to serve others while chasing his own dream.”
