MICHELLE C. SMITH 

Speaker. Educator. Mentor. Mover.

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Mentorship

1:1 support for creatives who want structure, clarity, and sustainability in their craft and business.

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Speaking

Book Michelle for keynotes, panels, and talks on burnout, mastery, and redefining success.

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Freestyle Staff Academy

Global training in staff spinning and creative movement. Skill meets play, flow meets discipline.

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Book a Workshop

Custom sessions for studios, teams, or events. Movement, clarity, and embodied leadership.

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MASTERY

You might’ve seen me in this viral moment but that was only the beginning.

Millions saw the movement. Fewer saw the burnout.
Now I help others move differently.

NICE TO MEET YOU

I hit the top and burned out so hard it nearly broke me.

I’ve been a world champion. A stunt performer. An educator. I’ve trained obsessively, performed internationally, and built a creative business that worked.
And I still fell apart.

What no one teaches us: the athletes, the high achievers, the perfectionists, the ones who grind until it hurts, is how to stay excellent without self destruction.

Now, everything I teach is about that shift: from survival mode to sustainability. From perfection to presence. From hustle to wholeness.

This is still my work too.
But I’m here to help others rebuild how they relate to mastery before it breaks them.

READ MY STORY

"I took Michelle’s staff spinning classes for two semesters, and shortly after, I was asked to create a staff demo reel for a potential stunt doubling job. Thanks to the skills and techniques I learned from Michelle, I was able to choreograph a dynamic piece that showcased my abilities—and I landed the job! I’m incredibly grateful for her training and guidance. She’s an exceptional instructor who will help you reach your goals, no matter your starting level."

- Megan Hui
SAG-AFTRA Stunt Woman

"Michelle’s talent, professionalism, instruction, character and generosity is world class. Thank you Michelle for creating an environment and path in which I can soar and thrive. I won’t forget the experience and look forward to the next one!"

- Carlo (Dallas, Texas)
Stage Fight Choreographer & Educator

"My favourite part about working with Michelle is her down to earth yet professional personality. She can teach difficult skills to newbies with patience. The classes were the right balance between fun and challenging. I can now do certain skills I thought were beyond my reach!"

- Sean (Sydney, Australia)
Fantasy & Sci-Fi Writer
ONLINE COURSES

The Freestyle Staff Academy

Learn staff spinning as a practice, not just tricks.

Beginner Essentials

Learn the basics, master your mind and feel like a BADASS.

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Toss & Catch Essentials

Practice letting go, on purpose.

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Zero to Fishtail

The roll that quiets your brain and rewires how you move.

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Whip Blind Combo

Build confidence when you can’t see the outcome.

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LIVE FROM THE BRAIN, IT'S RUMINATION STATION

Blog

I have some things to say...

What I'm Thinking About: Closing Loops. 

Dec 29, 2025

How to Make Goals That Stick (Even When Life Gets Crazy)

Dec 22, 2024

WORKING IT OUT

WORKING IT OUT

Weekly thoughts on burnout, nervous system collapse, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life that fits.
Unpolished. Honest. Practical.

You're safe with me. I'll never spam you or sell your contact info.