ABOUT

In loving memory of Colin Smyth

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Our teaching style incorporates abundant joy and love. From the moment the lights turn on, the studio has electrifying energy. Giggles, smiling sweaty faces, and students cheering for each other creates a welcoming atmosphere for success.

The mentality of our dancers is one of high values that bolsters them through all of their life endeavors. Carrying oneself with class, dignity, and kindness are some of the many qualities our students embrace at The Smyth School.

We use a growth-mindset teaching method, meaning there are no set abilities in dancers. Every class is an exciting new challenge to learn and grow. With the right mindset and hard work, anything is possible for anyone. Classes are inspired by teamwork, positivity, and creativity from all participants.

We rise by lifting each other up as a family, taking every small victory into account.

Dance from the heart, develop the mind, enjoy the moment… Let’s Rise!

OUR FAMILY

Christine began Irish dancing when she was six years old as a way to honor her deceased 100% Irish father, Colin Smyth. Christine’s dance career started small and is a story of immense perseverance.

Christine worked hard towards developing her skillset, while training alongside World Champions. With much dedication, Christine became back to back 1^st place Champion at the Mid-American Oireachtas (regionals). She went on to place top 5 at international competitions (Great Britain Championships & North American Nationals), qualified for the World Championships seven times consecutively, became a two time World Medal Holder in her solos, and a multiple time WORLD CHAMPION with her team. Additionally, Christine’s love of performing has landed her several lead roles in show performances. Christine is extremely grateful for her accomplishments, but most importantly for the life experiences and friendships Irish dance has brought her.

Christine’s greatest passion in dance started at age sixteen with student teaching Irish dance. At age twenty-two, Christine passed the Irish dance teaching exam with honors and is currently a certified TCRG with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha. On April 7^th, 2020 Christine opened The Smyth School of Irish Dance.

Christine graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business and performing arts from Baldwin Wallace University receiving a B.A. in Arts Management, Entrepreneurship, and Dance.

Although John is not formally trained in Irish dance, Christine trained him to be a proficient level one Irish dancer! Growing up in Solon, John was an avid athlete and a varsity baseball player. John graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Accounting from Baldwin Wallace University. John has a passion for business, and thoroughly enjoys running The Smyth School with his wife. John is also a business manager in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. He loves that he is able to incorporate his faith into all elements of his work. Most of all, Christine and John enjoy spending time with their baby boy, Colin!

DANCE CAPTAIN

After seeing the dancers in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in her home state of Colorado, Dani begged her mom to put her in Irish dance class. After her first class at 5 years old, there was no turning back. She fell in love with dancing!

While training to perfect her skills and technique, Dani developed a passion for Irish dancing. The students and instructors she met became her best friends and second family. Her instructors, both former lead dancers in The Lord of the Dance, helped her to learn dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. Dani consistently placed in the top 10 at the Western Region Oireachtas, qualified for Worlds five consecutive years and competed on regional, national and world championship level stages in both teams and solos. The Ceili’s (teams) she competed on, both 8-hands and figure choreographies (16-hands) won regional, national and world titles. Dani began teaching at 12 years old and it soon became her favorite part of dancing.

Post-college, Dani had a profound reversion back to the faith. After experiencing the fullness of the Catholic Church, Dani left her career as a dental hygienist, to serve as a missionary with The Culture Project, an organization that strives to preach the gospel especially through Pope Saint John Paul II’s teaching, Theology of the Body. As a missionary, she spoke to young people about the goodness and dignity of every human person and how we are all created by, for and to love. She strives to live this message in everything she does and is thrilled to be joining The Smyth School of Irish Dance family.