For an impressive 73 years, Shirley Larkin, the founder of Larkin Dance Studio, has profoundly shaped the lives of countless dancers, educators, parents, and dance enthusiasts. Reverently known as the ‘Matriarch of Dance’ within the studio competition industry, Shirley Larkin was instrumental in nurturing and developing the vibrant dance community we recognize today. Her contributions to larkin dance are immeasurable, setting a benchmark for dance education and community building.
A distinguished graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Shirley Larkin dedicated her life to the art of dance. Her schedule was perpetually full, encompassing teaching a wide range of dance styles, choreographing captivating musicals, and lending her expertise as a judge at numerous dance competitions. Furthermore, her commitment to the dance community extended to leadership roles. Shirley served as both President and Secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists from 1962 to 1970. Later in her career, she was honored with the title of National President Emeritus of the Professional Dance Teachers Association, reflecting her esteemed position and lifelong dedication to dance education.
Continuing this remarkable larkin dance heritage, Shirley Larkin’s daughters, Michele and Molly Larkin, are deeply committed to upholding and expanding their mother’s legacy. From the young age of eight, both daughters were actively involved in their mother’s studio, assisting her in classes and absorbing her profound knowledge. Michele further honed her skills through extensive training in Chicago with renowned figures like Gus Giordano and Lou Conte. She also studied in New York under the tutelage of Frank Hatchet, Charles Kelly, Phil Black, JoJo Smith, and Fred Benjamin before returning to Minnesota, ready to contribute her expertise to the family studio. When Shirley Larkin retired from teaching, she entrusted the future of her business and choreography to her daughters, confident in their abilities to carry forward her vision for larkin dance.
Under the dynamic leadership of Molly and Michele Larkin, Larkin Dance Studio has flourished, consistently demonstrating excellence across all disciplines of dance. A significant milestone was achieved in 2016 when the studio was awarded the prestigious “Studio of the Year” title at The Dance Awards, a testament to their continued dedication and high standards in larkin dance education. In 2015, the Larkin family legacy expanded further with Molly’s daughter, Mackenzie Larkin Symanietz, joining the studio as a talented choreographer and teacher. Mackenzie’s exceptional choreography has led both the University of Minnesota and Brigham Young University dance teams to national championship titles, showcasing the enduring Larkin influence in competitive dance. Collectively, since 1976, Michele, Molly, and Mackenzie have consistently received Top Honors and Choreography awards from every major dance competition, solidifying their reputation for nurturing exceptional larkin dance talent. Together, the Larkin family has been instrumental in training some of the nation’s most accomplished professional dancers.
The impact of larkin dance extends far beyond the studio walls. Larkin-trained dancers are actively shaping the professional dance landscape, leaving their mark on collegiate dance teams and in diverse professional settings. From esteemed institutions like Juilliard and Marymount Manhattan College to the grand stages of Broadway and Cirque du Soleil, and innovative projects like L.A. Dance Project, Larkin dancers are represented. Their alumni have also achieved recognition on popular platforms like Star Search, So You Think You Can Dance, and World of Dance. Wherever you look within the professional dance world, the influence and artistry of a Larkin dancer is evident, a true testament to the enduring Larkin Legacy in dance.
