Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Dorrity.
Hi Christy , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Legacy School of Dance has been an ongoing journey for me. I began as an adult student at the studio, later became a teacher, then took over ownership. I fell in love with Irish dancing when my husband took me to see Riverdance. Because of my background in ballet and tap I learned it very quickly. I danced for six years before entering competitions as an adult, and seen the next six years in competition. I competed on an international level, retired and became a studio owner. I’ve been taking exams for certification in various organizations for ten years and recently completed a post graduate program from the University of Limerick in Ireland. At the time of this writing, I am awaiting results for an exam that will give me a TMRF certification with CLRG, the largest Irish dance organization in the world. I love teaching and passing on my love of ballet and Irish dance to the next generation. My oldest son teaches for me and is awaiting his own results for a TCRG certification, and my youngest son is a four-time world qualifier who competes internationally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was difficult balancing a family of five children with running the studio-I often felt guilty about being away from them in the evenings. But I have seen the benefits of modeling the pursuit of my dreams for my children. They are all pursuing dreams of their own.
Dramatics seem to come naturally at dance studios, and that is something I do not enjoy managing. My least favorite part of my job is when I have to deal with an upset parent or student. I’ve learned how to manage drama over the years, and how to prevent it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my time as studio owner, I’ve implemented successful programs that have helped our studio grow. We have a thriving adult dancer community in Irish, ballet and ballroom. I branded a preschool ballet and Irish dance program called “Jiggety-Jig” that now consists of three classes for preschool aged children. Our teacher training program has been very successful, helping us to staff, train and support many teachers in a niche where teachers are hard to find.
Our studio is a performance and competition based program. We are successful at many local, national and international competitions.
Each year we put on a full length production, telling the storyline through dance. In past years we have performed such titles as Wizard of Oz, Lion King, Frozen, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Tarzan. This year we are busy putting together our production of Annie. My hope is that the dancers at our school learn how to audition for, be a part of and gain experience in theater as well as dance. Doing choreography for our productions is where I really shine.
Our studio is known for being a welcoming community, having modest costuming, and a standard of excellence in dance.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of my favorite things about running the studio is the people that I meet and learn from. I have formed friendships and working relationships with many other studio owners and teachers. I am always happy to share what I have learned with others. There is no shortage of people who want to dance, so there really isn’t a competition among studios. I love learning from other people and sharing my experience with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.legacy-dance.com
- Instagram: @legacydancelayton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/135603056609846
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LegacyIrishDance
