| Larkin Dance Studio is a full-service dance studio specializing in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and pointe instruction by a professional staff. Our current enrollment is approximately 700 students, including approximately 225 students who compete in regional and national dance competitions. We have students from all areas in and around Minneapolis and St. Paul (including Wisconsin). We currently offer over 40 classes for recreational students, ages three to adult, ranging from beginner to advanced students who wish to take class once or twice a week. To allow each student an appropriate amount of one-on-one attention, classes are typically limited to 12-15 dancers. All students will perform in an end of the year recital in the spring. We currently have 10 competition lines (including two adult lines) for students, ages five to adult, who wish to take several classes a week. The competition lines are for the dedicated dancer who wishes to compete in regional and national competitions. Even though these students are busy dancing, many still find time for other sports. Many of our students have gone on to careers performing or teaching dance. We currently have past students dancing on Broadway and in shows around the country - in fact, around the world. Many of our past students are in movies and on TV. A majority of our students move on to programs at top colleges and universities. For every one student who dances professionally, there are hundreds of others, who, after graduation, choose other paths for their lives. When asked, they will tell you their lives are much better because they were part of the Larkin family. If you would like to be a part of the Larkin Dance family, please contact us. We would love to have you with us. "Praise His Name with dancing" - Psalm 149 vs. 3 |
| STUDIO INFORMATION AND FACULTY |
Shirley Larkin, Owner
Shirley taught dance for nearly 60 years. She was a graduate of Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
She served as president and secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of National Association of Dance and Affiliated
Artists from 1962 until 1970. She was National President Emeritus of Professional Dance Teachers Association. In
addition to her busy schedule, Shirley choreographed many musicals, taught dance workshops and has judged
numerous dance competitions. She was known by many in the studio competition industry as the 'Matriarch of
Dance.' In the 61 years she ran Larkin Dance Studio she influenced the lives of thousands of dancers, teachers,
parents, and friends. The Larkin staff will work harder than ever to keep her legacy alive and to continue to teach
students to dance "the Larkin way."
FACULTY
Michele Larkin - Wagner
Michele is best known for her unique and exciting choreography. She has won numerous awards for her work including best
choreography for Show Stoppers, Joe Tremaine finals, best of show DEA Challenge Cup in NY, Showbiz Talent, JUMP, Hall of Fame,
and received the top choreographer award from Dance Teacher NOW magazine. Her students have danced for numerous recording
artists in concert and in videos, on Star Search, for Disney, in numerous industrials, commercials, on television and many on
Broadway. While barely missing a day at the studio through her battle with breast cancer in 2008, she is a true inspiration to her
students and colleagues in the dance community. Click here to see routine choreographed in honor of Michele by her good friend,
Tyce Diorio on Season 5 of 'So You Think You Can Dance.'
Contact Michele at michele@larkindancestudio.com
Molly Larkin - Symanietz
Molly is an accomplished dancer in all fields of dance. She has danced and choreographed numerous musicals. And, she has also
given master classes in many schools around the country. Molly's tap numbers have won many awards in local and national
competition and she received certification with honors from the Fred Astaire Performing Arts Association. She is a judge for
regional and national dance competitions.
Contact Molly at molly@larkindancestudio.com
Jenny Raiche
Jenny has a Bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in
Business Management. She is studio trained dancer and is also very involved in the dance team community. She was a member,
choreographer and student coach of the Gustavus Dance Team. Jenny is going into her tenth season as the Head Coach of the
Lightning Dance Team at Eastview High School. She is the co-founder and director of the Miss Dance Team Minnesota Competition.
Jenny has been awarded Minnesota "Coach of the Year" and was also featured in 'Dance Spirit' and 'Dance Teacher' magazines.
Most recently, Jenny was inducted into the Minnesota Dance Team Coaches Hall of Fame.
Nate Poole
Nate is one of the most exciting, young, fresh talents in the entertainment industry today. Being only 20 years old, he has spent the
majority of his dance career training and competing with Larkin Dance Studio in Minnesota. With Larkin, Nate won numerous awards
and scholarships from the top competitions and conventions this country has to offer. He has spent extensive time in Los Angeles
and New York training with some of the biggest teachers/choreographers today. Nate worked for West Coast Dance Explosion as an
assistant for their 08/09 tour. He has done multiple music videos and jobs alike. This past summer Nate toured with Monsters of Hip
Hop. He currently resides in Minnesota, teaching extensively at studios all across the country. Nate prides himself as being a very
well-rounded dancer and a true showman, which carries over into his classes.
Jenny Johnson
Jenny’s family has been a part of Larkin Dance Studio for over 34 years. She began dancing at Larkin Dance Studio under Shirley
Larkin’s instruction at the age of 4. She danced competitively for 11 years during which time she had the incredible opportunity to
partake in many local and national competitions and workshops. She has performed at numerous public events and fundraisers as
well as in the Superbowl XXVI half-time show.
Tarese Hall
Tarese (Guarnera) Hall started dancing at the age of 3 at Larkin Dance Studio and continued for 15 years. Her dance
accomplishments include numerous regional and national awards, performances at various industrials and fundraisers, a performer
in the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show, and a scholarship to Tremaine Dance Center in Los Angeles. While attending the University
of St. Thomas, she was also a NFL cheerleader with the Minnesota Vikings. Having graduated with a degree in Corporate Wellness
and Psychology, she currently is a Group Fitness Department Head and Master Instructor Team Lead at Life Time Fitness.
Melanie Kasel
Melanie (Birkeland) Kasel lives in White Bear Lake, Minnesota where she was born and raised. At 3 years old, she started dance at
the Larkin Dance Studio. Melanie continued to dance for the Larkin Family for 15 years. She has traveled to numerous cities for
dance workshops, competitions and worked with dedicated, trained dance instructors including Tremaine Dance. Some highlights
from Melanie’s dance career include appearances in the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show and “Good Company” taped in Minnesota.
She was also televised nationally in 1992 for her Senior Jazz Group with Showstoppers in Myrtle Beach, NC. In 1997, Melanie
graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in K-12 Education and a minor in Health Education. After college, Melanie had the
opportunity to enhance her dance and teaching skills by choreographing a large group performing the play “South Pacific”. In the
recent years, Melanie continues to utilize her dance abilities to assist in teaching competition level small groups and providing
dance instruction for students on an individual basis.
Trey Barber
Trey has been teaching and choreographing for the last 13 years across the country. He comes to us from Salt Lake City, Utah and
has relocated here, ready to share his talents with all of us. He has worked with Radio Disney Artists, LMNT and DreamStreet. He
continues to work with pop sensation Jesse McCartney. Trey's choreography has been featured on HBO Family, ABC's The View,
MBC, ESPN, and the Oxygen Network. He has performed and choreographed numerous routines for the BNA, NCAA, fashion shows,
professional dance companies, industrials, and various television projects. Trey's classes offer a challenging, innovative approach
to Hip Hop placing the student's needs first. His passion and talent are truly inspiring-making his classes fun and exciting for
everyone.
BALLET FACULTY
Ilia Gorev
Ilia was Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the Gregorivich Ballet in Moscow between 1991 and 1996. Ilia has
danced in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy, Greece, Egypt, London, Ireland, France, Belgium and the United States, having had the
Principal Role in "Swan Lake", "Golden Age", "Raymonda", "Le Corsaire", "Don Quixote", "Nutcracker", "Les Syphides", "Yes
Virginia", "Diversion of Angels", "La Bayadere" and "The King and I". He has worked extensively with American Choreography and
with Private Coaching.
Taylor (Dreyling) Huber
Taylor began her training in 1993 with Minnetonka Dance Theatre. She continued her training with Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) in
Saint Paul, under the direction of Andrew and Cheryl Rist. After graduating CBA in 2001, she continued her studies with both
University of Kansas and University of Wisconsin-Madison, under dance scholarships. She's studied with many summer programs
such as Dance Aspen, Virginia School of the Arts, Milwaukee Ballet School, and Boston Ballet School. From 2000-07 Taylor was a
company member with Ballet Minnesota and frequently dances as a guest with many dance companies around the nation. Her
repetoire includes many classics such as Snow Queen in‘The Classic Nutcracker’, ‘Les Sylphides’, ‘Paquita’, ‘La Bayadere’, ‘Giselle’,
‘Don Quixote’, ‘Swan Lake’ & many other contemporary works choreographed by Andrew Rist. She has taught with Larkin since
2008, focusing on the competition groups. Taylor is an ABT® certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® teacher
training in Primary through level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Gregory Drotar
Bio coming soon....
Front Desk Staff
Trudy Schranck
Paula Tansom
Jaimie Granger
Store Manager
Barb Johnson
Shirley taught dance for nearly 60 years. She was a graduate of Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.
She served as president and secretary of the Minnesota Chapter of National Association of Dance and Affiliated
Artists from 1962 until 1970. She was National President Emeritus of Professional Dance Teachers Association. In
addition to her busy schedule, Shirley choreographed many musicals, taught dance workshops and has judged
numerous dance competitions. She was known by many in the studio competition industry as the 'Matriarch of
Dance.' In the 61 years she ran Larkin Dance Studio she influenced the lives of thousands of dancers, teachers,
parents, and friends. The Larkin staff will work harder than ever to keep her legacy alive and to continue to teach
students to dance "the Larkin way."
FACULTY
Michele Larkin - Wagner
Michele is best known for her unique and exciting choreography. She has won numerous awards for her work including best
choreography for Show Stoppers, Joe Tremaine finals, best of show DEA Challenge Cup in NY, Showbiz Talent, JUMP, Hall of Fame,
and received the top choreographer award from Dance Teacher NOW magazine. Her students have danced for numerous recording
artists in concert and in videos, on Star Search, for Disney, in numerous industrials, commercials, on television and many on
Broadway. While barely missing a day at the studio through her battle with breast cancer in 2008, she is a true inspiration to her
students and colleagues in the dance community. Click here to see routine choreographed in honor of Michele by her good friend,
Tyce Diorio on Season 5 of 'So You Think You Can Dance.'
Contact Michele at michele@larkindancestudio.com
Molly Larkin - Symanietz
Molly is an accomplished dancer in all fields of dance. She has danced and choreographed numerous musicals. And, she has also
given master classes in many schools around the country. Molly's tap numbers have won many awards in local and national
competition and she received certification with honors from the Fred Astaire Performing Arts Association. She is a judge for
regional and national dance competitions.
Contact Molly at molly@larkindancestudio.com
Jenny Raiche
Jenny has a Bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in
Business Management. She is studio trained dancer and is also very involved in the dance team community. She was a member,
choreographer and student coach of the Gustavus Dance Team. Jenny is going into her tenth season as the Head Coach of the
Lightning Dance Team at Eastview High School. She is the co-founder and director of the Miss Dance Team Minnesota Competition.
Jenny has been awarded Minnesota "Coach of the Year" and was also featured in 'Dance Spirit' and 'Dance Teacher' magazines.
Most recently, Jenny was inducted into the Minnesota Dance Team Coaches Hall of Fame.
Nate Poole
Nate is one of the most exciting, young, fresh talents in the entertainment industry today. Being only 20 years old, he has spent the
majority of his dance career training and competing with Larkin Dance Studio in Minnesota. With Larkin, Nate won numerous awards
and scholarships from the top competitions and conventions this country has to offer. He has spent extensive time in Los Angeles
and New York training with some of the biggest teachers/choreographers today. Nate worked for West Coast Dance Explosion as an
assistant for their 08/09 tour. He has done multiple music videos and jobs alike. This past summer Nate toured with Monsters of Hip
Hop. He currently resides in Minnesota, teaching extensively at studios all across the country. Nate prides himself as being a very
well-rounded dancer and a true showman, which carries over into his classes.
Jenny Johnson
Jenny’s family has been a part of Larkin Dance Studio for over 34 years. She began dancing at Larkin Dance Studio under Shirley
Larkin’s instruction at the age of 4. She danced competitively for 11 years during which time she had the incredible opportunity to
partake in many local and national competitions and workshops. She has performed at numerous public events and fundraisers as
well as in the Superbowl XXVI half-time show.
Tarese Hall
Tarese (Guarnera) Hall started dancing at the age of 3 at Larkin Dance Studio and continued for 15 years. Her dance
accomplishments include numerous regional and national awards, performances at various industrials and fundraisers, a performer
in the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show, and a scholarship to Tremaine Dance Center in Los Angeles. While attending the University
of St. Thomas, she was also a NFL cheerleader with the Minnesota Vikings. Having graduated with a degree in Corporate Wellness
and Psychology, she currently is a Group Fitness Department Head and Master Instructor Team Lead at Life Time Fitness.
Melanie Kasel
Melanie (Birkeland) Kasel lives in White Bear Lake, Minnesota where she was born and raised. At 3 years old, she started dance at
the Larkin Dance Studio. Melanie continued to dance for the Larkin Family for 15 years. She has traveled to numerous cities for
dance workshops, competitions and worked with dedicated, trained dance instructors including Tremaine Dance. Some highlights
from Melanie’s dance career include appearances in the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show and “Good Company” taped in Minnesota.
She was also televised nationally in 1992 for her Senior Jazz Group with Showstoppers in Myrtle Beach, NC. In 1997, Melanie
graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in K-12 Education and a minor in Health Education. After college, Melanie had the
opportunity to enhance her dance and teaching skills by choreographing a large group performing the play “South Pacific”. In the
recent years, Melanie continues to utilize her dance abilities to assist in teaching competition level small groups and providing
dance instruction for students on an individual basis.
Trey Barber
Trey has been teaching and choreographing for the last 13 years across the country. He comes to us from Salt Lake City, Utah and
has relocated here, ready to share his talents with all of us. He has worked with Radio Disney Artists, LMNT and DreamStreet. He
continues to work with pop sensation Jesse McCartney. Trey's choreography has been featured on HBO Family, ABC's The View,
MBC, ESPN, and the Oxygen Network. He has performed and choreographed numerous routines for the BNA, NCAA, fashion shows,
professional dance companies, industrials, and various television projects. Trey's classes offer a challenging, innovative approach
to Hip Hop placing the student's needs first. His passion and talent are truly inspiring-making his classes fun and exciting for
everyone.
BALLET FACULTY
Ilia Gorev
Ilia was Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the Gregorivich Ballet in Moscow between 1991 and 1996. Ilia has
danced in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy, Greece, Egypt, London, Ireland, France, Belgium and the United States, having had the
Principal Role in "Swan Lake", "Golden Age", "Raymonda", "Le Corsaire", "Don Quixote", "Nutcracker", "Les Syphides", "Yes
Virginia", "Diversion of Angels", "La Bayadere" and "The King and I". He has worked extensively with American Choreography and
with Private Coaching.
Taylor (Dreyling) Huber
Taylor began her training in 1993 with Minnetonka Dance Theatre. She continued her training with Classical Ballet Academy (CBA) in
Saint Paul, under the direction of Andrew and Cheryl Rist. After graduating CBA in 2001, she continued her studies with both
University of Kansas and University of Wisconsin-Madison, under dance scholarships. She's studied with many summer programs
such as Dance Aspen, Virginia School of the Arts, Milwaukee Ballet School, and Boston Ballet School. From 2000-07 Taylor was a
company member with Ballet Minnesota and frequently dances as a guest with many dance companies around the nation. Her
repetoire includes many classics such as Snow Queen in‘The Classic Nutcracker’, ‘Les Sylphides’, ‘Paquita’, ‘La Bayadere’, ‘Giselle’,
‘Don Quixote’, ‘Swan Lake’ & many other contemporary works choreographed by Andrew Rist. She has taught with Larkin since
2008, focusing on the competition groups. Taylor is an ABT® certified teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® teacher
training in Primary through level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Gregory Drotar
Bio coming soon....
Front Desk Staff
Trudy Schranck
Paula Tansom
Jaimie Granger
Store Manager
Barb Johnson
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LARKIN DANCE STUDIO |