For over seven decades, Larkin Dance Studio in Minnesota has been synonymous with dance excellence, largely thanks to its visionary founder, Shirley Larkin. Her profound influence extends beyond the studio walls, touching the lives of countless dancers, educators, families, and enthusiasts. Widely recognized within the dance competition circuit as the esteemed ‘Matriarch of Dance,’ Shirley Larkin played a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant dance community we celebrate today.
A distinguished graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Shirley Larkin’s dedication was evident in her demanding schedule. She passionately devoted her time to teaching, crafting captivating musical choreography, and lending her expertise as a competition judge. Further demonstrating her commitment to the dance community, she held prestigious positions as President and Secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists from 1962 to 1970. Her peers also honored her with the title of National President Emeritus of the Professional Dance Teachers Association, a testament to her lasting impact and respected leadership.
Continuing this remarkable legacy are Shirley’s daughters, Michele and Molly Larkin, who are deeply committed to upholding their mother’s high standards and nurturing environment. From the young age of eight, both daughters were immersed in the studio, assisting Shirley in her classes and absorbing her invaluable knowledge. Michele further honed her skills through extensive training in Chicago with renowned figures like Gus Giordano and Lou Conte. She also expanded her dance vocabulary in New York under the tutelage of Frank Hatchet, Charles Kelly, Phil Black, JoJo Smith, and Fred Benjamin before returning to Minnesota to contribute to the family studio. Upon Shirley’s retirement from teaching, she entrusted the future of Larkin Dance Studio and its choreography to Michele and Molly, confident in their abilities to carry forward her vision.
Under the accomplished direction of Molly and Michele Larkin, Larkin Dance Studio has not only maintained its leading position but has also garnered further accolades. A significant highlight is being honored with the prestigious “Studio of the Year” award at the 2016 Dance Awards, a testament to their continued dedication to excellence. The family legacy extends to the third generation with Molly’s daughter, Mackenzie Larkin Symanietz, joining the studio in 2015 as a choreographer and teacher. Mackenzie has quickly established herself as a force in choreography, leading both the University of Minnesota and Brigham Young University dance teams to national championship titles. Since 1976, the combined talents of Michele, Molly, and Mackenzie have consistently been recognized with Top Honors and Choreography awards across every major dance competition, cementing Larkin Dance Studio’s reputation for nurturing top-tier talent. Collectively, the Larkins have been instrumental in training some of the nation’s most exceptional professional dancers.
The enduring Larkin Legacy is vividly demonstrated through the accomplishments of their alumni. Larkin Dance Studio graduates are making their mark across the professional dance spectrum and on esteemed collegiate dance teams. Whether aspiring dancers set their sights on institutions like Juilliard and Marymount Manhattan College, stages like Broadway and Cirque du Soleil, innovative projects like L.A. Dance Project, or prominent platforms such as Star Search, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance, a Larkin dancer is sure to be found, embodying the studio’s commitment to fostering talent that thrives in diverse and demanding environments.
