Valerie Jovita Smith Concha

Valerie passed from this life on December 3, 2019. Valerie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 15, 1933. Valerie is survived by husband, Fernando Concha and daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa “ Leithman. Valerie was a Ballet dancer, teacher and choreographer who owned her own studio in New Orleans, Louisiana. To give young dancers a performing venue, Valerie founded and was the artistic director of The New Orleans Ballet Foundation (the first New Orleans regional ballet company) and performed with that company throughout the state for many years. She was a soloist with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (which toured the U.S., Europe, Canada, and South and Central America), tapped with the Radio City Rockettes and danced on cruise ships with her husband and partner, Fernando Concha. She choreographed for the New Orleans Opera, the San Antonio Opera, and conducted master classes for the International Ballet School at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the National Academy of Ballet in Chicago. She staged many ballets for civic and regional companies. Valerie began her training with Lelia Haller in New Orleans and continued her studies withVincenzo Celli, Frederic Franklin and Alexandra Danilova in New York. She taught at the New Orleans Dance Academy, the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Delgado College, and coached the New Orleans Ballet Ensemble in New Orleans. Valerie joined the Lula Elzy New Orleans Dance Theater in 1991. She was one of the choreographers and Ballet Mistress for the Lula Elzy New Orleans Dance Theatre’s productions of “Nutcracker Swing,” “Elijah Rock,” “The New Orleans Suite,” “Dance Journey to the Crucifixion,” and many other annual company presentations, and continued to work with the company for many years — even after moving to North Carolina.

In an alternative career, while living in New Jersey, Valerie represented an NGO (non-governmental organization) for the Arts working with the United Nations.

Valerie was a dynamic and compassionate person who loved and supported her family, friends, colleagues and students. Valerie also loved the many pets she had throughout the years including current dogs, Kris, Rascal, and Tinkerbell. Those who knew her will treasure the time spent in her company, and will keep her memory and legacy alive in their hearts and dance forever. 

A service celebrating her life was held in Hendersonville and her ashes were interred privately. Arrangements were in the care of Shuler Funeral Home of Hendersonville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions/donations may be made on this site to or sent to:
Muse Machine
126 North Main St. #310
Dayton, OH 45402

Your donation will help create a scholarship named in honor of Valerie Smith Concha given to a student in the arts.