For over seven decades, Larkin Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of the dance community, shaping the lives of countless dancers under the guidance of its founder, Shirley Larkin. Widely recognized as the ‘Matriarch of Dance’ within the studio competition industry, Shirley Larkin played a pivotal role in cultivating the vibrant dance environment we cherish today. Her influence extends far beyond the studio walls, leaving an indelible mark on dance education and performance.
The Enduring Legacy of Shirley Larkin: A Dance Pioneer
Shirley Larkin’s dedication to dance was unparalleled. A distinguished graduate of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, she expertly balanced a demanding schedule that included teaching, choreographing musicals, and judging dance competitions across the nation. Her commitment to the dance community is further exemplified by her leadership roles within prestigious organizations. From 1962 to 1970, Shirley served as both President and Secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists. Later in her career, she was honored with the title of National President Emeritus of the Professional Dance Teachers Association, a testament to her lifelong contribution and respected standing in the field.
Continuing the Tradition: Michele and Molly Larkin Lead the Way
Shirley Larkin’s passion and expertise have been seamlessly passed down to her daughters, Michele and Molly Larkin, who are wholeheartedly committed to upholding their mother’s remarkable legacy at Larkin Dance Studio Mn. From a young age, both daughters were immersed in the studio environment, assisting Shirley in her classes from the tender age of eight. This early immersion fostered a deep understanding and love for dance education. Michele further honed her skills with extensive training in Chicago under renowned instructors Gus Giordano and Lou Conte, and in New York with dance luminaries such as Frank Hatchet, Charles Kelly, Phil Black, JoJo Smith, and Fred Benjamin. Upon Shirley’s retirement, she entrusted the studio’s future and choreographic direction to Michele and Molly, confident in their abilities to lead Larkin Dance Studio MN into a new era.
Larkin Dance Studio’s Achievements and Recognition: Studio of the Year and Beyond
Under the dynamic leadership of Molly and Michele Larkin, Larkin Dance Studio has not only sustained its reputation for excellence but has also reached new heights of achievement. A significant milestone was being awarded the prestigious “Studio of the Year” title at the Dance Awards in 2016, a testament to the studio’s overall excellence in training, choreography, and dancer development. Furthermore, the Larkin family’s commitment to innovative choreography has been consistently recognized. Since 1976, Michele, Molly, and Mackenzie Larkin Symanietz, Molly’s daughter who joined the studio in 2015, have collectively garnered Top Honors and Choreography awards from virtually every major dance competition. Mackenzie herself has made significant contributions, choreographing award-winning routines for the University of Minnesota and Brigham Young University dance teams, leading them to national titles. Together, the Larkin family’s collaborative approach has solidified Larkin Dance Studio MN as a training ground for some of the most accomplished professional dancers in the nation.
A Legacy of Professional Dancers: From Minnesota to the World Stage
The impact of Larkin Dance Studio MN extends far beyond competition accolades. The true measure of the studio’s success lies in the accomplishments of its dancers. The Larkin legacy is vibrantly alive through the studio’s alumni who are making their mark on professional and collegiate dance platforms worldwide. Whether on the stages of Juilliard, Marymount Manhattan College, Broadway productions, Cirque du Soleil, L.A. Dance Project, television shows like Star Search and So You Think You Can Dance, or international competitions such as World of Dance, Larkin dancers are consistently represented. This widespread presence is a powerful testament to the exceptional training and foundational skills instilled at Larkin Dance Studio MN, proving its status as a premier institution for aspiring dancers seeking to achieve their professional dreams.
