For over seven decades, Larkin Dance Studio in Maplewood, MN, has been a cornerstone of the dance community, shaping the lives of countless dancers, educators, and enthusiasts. Founded by the iconic Shirley Larkin, a figure widely recognized as the ‘Matriarch of Dance’ within the studio competition world, Larkin Dance Studio has not only fostered talent but also played a pivotal role in building the vibrant dance landscape we cherish today.
Shirley Larkin’s profound influence stemmed from her exceptional expertise and dedication. A graduate of the prestigious Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, she poured her passion into teaching, crafting captivating musical choreography, and lending her discerning eye as a competition judge. Her commitment to the dance community extended beyond the studio, as evidenced by her leadership roles as President and Secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists from 1962 to 1970, and her esteemed position as National President Emeritus of the Professional Dance Teachers Association.
Continuing this remarkable heritage at Larkin Dance Studio Maplewood Mn are Shirley’s daughters, Michele and Molly Larkin. Their deep-rooted connection to the studio began in childhood, assisting their mother in classes from the young age of eight. Both daughters pursued extensive dance training, with Michele honing her skills in Chicago under the tutelage of Gus Giordano and Lou Conte, and in New York with renowned figures like Frank Hatchet, Charles Kelly, Phil Black, JoJo Smith, and Fred Benjamin, before returning to Minnesota. When Shirley Larkin retired, she entrusted her legacy to Michele and Molly, confident in their ability to uphold and elevate the studio’s standards of excellence in both dance education and choreography within Maplewood, MN.
Under Michele and Molly’s direction, Larkin Dance Studio Maplewood MN has not only sustained its legacy but has soared to new heights. A testament to their leadership is the prestigious “Studio of the Year” award from The Dance Awards in 2016. The family’s dedication to dance extends to the third generation, with Molly’s daughter, Mackenzie Larkin Symanietz, joining the studio in 2015 as a choreographer and teacher. Mackenzie’s exceptional talent has led both the University of Minnesota and Brigham Young University dance teams to national championship titles. Collectively, Michele, Molly, and Mackenzie have consistently garnered Top Honors and Choreography awards from every major dance competition since 1976, solidifying Larkin Dance Studio’s reputation as a national leader originating from Maplewood, MN.
The true measure of Larkin Dance Studio Maplewood MN’s impact lies in the success of its alumni. The Larkin Legacy lives on through dancers who grace prestigious platforms ranging from Juilliard and Marymount Manhattan College to Broadway stages, Cirque du Soleil, L.A. Dance Project, and televised competitions like Star Search, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance. These achievements underscore the profound and lasting influence of Larkin Dance Studio Maplewood MN in shaping the landscape of professional dance and collegiate dance teams across the nation.
