It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the passing of Wilder Smith, a beloved former student, friend, and champion of dance and community. Wilder’s departure this week has left a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him. While his time with us was tragically cut short, his impact continues to resonate through the lives he touched and the vibrant work he left behind.
Over the past year, I had the privilege of reconnecting with Wilder after years apart. In those precious three months, we collaborated closely to support and grow his remarkable project, the Reframed Dance Community—an initiative that embodied Wilder’s dream to make dance accessible to everyone in the Atlanta area. Through this work, I witnessed firsthand Wilder’s vision, passion, and the depth of his spirit.
As we honor Wilder’s life and mourn his loss, we also celebrate the beautiful legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of inclusion, creativity, and unyielding belief in the power of human connection.
My relationship with Wilder began in a classroom, where his spark for life and creativity was apparent from the very beginning. He was the kind of student who stood out—not just for his talent, but for his curiosity, drive, and willingness to challenge boundaries. Wilder approached every assignment, every challenge, and every opportunity to learn with the same energy and openness that would later define his career.
Over time, that student-teacher relationship evolved into a genuine friendship. It was clear that Wilder was not just someone who learned; he was someone who sought to create, to share, and to inspire. His commitment to the arts and his belief in their transformative power grew into a central theme of his life’s work.
Wilder’s Reframed Dance Community was more than just a dance initiative; it was a movement. Rooted in the belief that dance should be for everyone—regardless of ability, experience, or background—Reframed aimed to break down the traditional barriers of the dance world.
Through accessible workshops, inclusive performances, and a welcoming atmosphere, Reframed became a space where individuals could express themselves freely. Wilder’s approach to dance was transformative, both for participants and for the community as a whole. He saw dance not just as an art form, but as a vehicle for connection, healing, and empowerment.
Working alongside him during those three months was an incredible experience. Wilder poured his heart into every detail, from choreography to community outreach. He wasn’t afraid to dream big, but he also understood the importance of the small moments—the one-on-one encouragements, the shared laughs during rehearsals, and the quiet pride of seeing someone discover their own potential.
During our time working together, Wilder opened up in a way that he did with few others. He shared his dreams, his struggles, and his hopes for the future. Those conversations were a testament to his depth as a person—someone who was both incredibly strong and deeply sensitive, someone who cared deeply about the people and the world around him.
Wilder’s openness was one of his greatest gifts. It allowed him to connect with people on a profound level, to see their potential even when they couldn’t, and to create spaces where they felt valued and seen. His ability to build those connections was what made Reframed such a success and what made him such a cherished friend to so many.
Wilder’s passing has left an undeniable void, not only in the Atlanta dance community but in the lives of everyone who knew him. Friends, colleagues, and students alike are mourning the loss of a person who brought so much light and creativity into their lives.
For those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, the sadness of his loss is tempered by gratitude for the time we shared. Wilder’s energy, kindness, and vision will remain a part of us, shaping how we approach our own lives and work.
The Atlanta community is coming together to honor Wilder’s memory in a way that reflects who he was: a celebration of connection, creativity, and shared humanity. A memorial potluck will be held this Tuesday, providing an opportunity for friends and loved ones to gather, share memories, and celebrate Wilder’s life. I’ll be flying in from Denver to attend, knowing that this gathering will be a powerful testament to the impact he had on all of us.
As we grieve Wilder’s passing, we are also called to carry forward his legacy. The values he lived by—kindness, inclusivity, and the belief that art can transform lives—are ones that we can all strive to embody.
For those involved in the Reframed Dance Community, Wilder’s vision remains alive. His work has laid a foundation that can continue to grow, ensuring that his dream of making dance accessible to everyone does not end with his passing. By supporting and sustaining this initiative, we can honor Wilder’s memory and ensure that his impact continues to ripple outward.
For those of us who knew him personally, carrying forward his legacy means embracing the values he taught us. It means being open, kind, and unafraid to dream big. It means supporting one another, believing in the power of connection, and finding joy in the small, meaningful moments of life.
Wilder Smith was more than a student, a friend, or a colleague. He was a visionary, a creator, and a connector who believed in the power of art to bring people together. His life was a testament to the beauty of following one’s passions and to the impact that one person can have on a community.
As we gather to honor Wilder’s memory, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing the people in our lives and of supporting one another through times of joy and sorrow. Wilder’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and in the work he created.
To those who loved him, may we find comfort in the memories we shared. To those inspired by him, may we carry forward his vision with pride and purpose. And to Wilder, may you rest in peace, knowing that your light continues to shine in all of us.
You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
